Fantasy Football Preview: Tennessee Titans Running Backs And Tight Ends
By trever
Tennessee Titans Running Backs & Tight Ends
In a typical fantasy football preview progression, you’ll see running back follow the quarterback predictions. Then to follow is wide receiver, tight end, and defense. However, due to the Titans’ lack of starters at RB and WR this preseason, we’ll conclude with a combo of RB/TE. Without further ado, here is the Tennessee Titans running backs & tight ends’ preview!
Tennessee Titans Running Backs
DeMarco Murray
The leader in 100-yard rushing games since 2014 (18), DeMarco Murray showed everyone last year he had more than enough pep in his step to be a bell-cow back in the NFL. Murray led the AFC in rushing, and was a clear-cut RB1 in fantasy from start to finish.
The question everyone is asking is will Derrick Henry cut into Murray’s reps? Simply put, not enough to downgrade him. Henry was the featured 2-minute back last year and is expected to be groomed into the 4-minute back this season. This does not mean Murray will fall very hard.
I expect Murray to take a slight dip in carries and targets, but his volume (likely around 17-20 carries/game) and offensive line will still propel him to RB1 status in all fantasy formats. Expect the revamped passing game of Tennessee to potentially open up more running lanes and passing game opportunities for Murray.
Derrick Henry
An unnatural freak, former Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry has found himself making all the right moves since entering the league. A shock to some, Henry fell to the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL Draft and Jon Robinson scooped him right up to pair with Murray.
The duo was nicknamed “Thunder and Thunder” last year, and although the name didn’t stick, the one-two punch certainly did. The Titans had a premier rusher on the field no matter what the personnel. Murray is a clear cut RB1. If Henry’s on the field, he assumes the same role: RB1.
Last year, in games which Henry carried the ball at least 7 times, he only averaged less than 4 YPC three out of nine times! The guy gets yards. Oh, and good news for Titans’ fans: those games where he averaged over 4 YPC were all Tennessee victories.
Henry is a stud by every definition of the word. He’d start for 2/3 of the league, but currently resides behind of the best running backs and offensive lines in the league. He’s the most premier handcuff you can own, and if you’re deep enough at RB, he’s worth it. He immediately becomes a top-10 RB1 if Murray goes down.
Tennessee Titans Tight Ends
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker is arguably the greatest Tennessee Titans tight end of all time, although debatable. Yet, he is still a popular pick as a regression-target this year. Although he is not a high volume touchdown scorer (6 in 2013, 4 in 2014, 6 in 2015, and 7 in 2016), he is a steady scorer. Having arguably the best redzone QB in the game right now doesn’t hurt either – exhibit A.
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So why do many experts predict a slight drop-off in walker’s production? Simply put, the Titans have many more weapons to work with this season. Walker’s 100+ targets for three straight seasons are likely to dip with the likes of Eric Decker, Corey Davis, and Taywan Taylor in town.
Walker should still put up TE1 numbers in fantasy and is a very formidable starting tight end in any format, especially given his current 7th round ADP. He’s got a long-working repertoire with Mariota, and will continue to be a highly-targeted force in the redzone.
One more player to steal targets, and potentially snaps, from Walker would be the soon-to-be-listed TE2 on the depth chart, Jonnu Smith.
Jonnu Smith
A third-round pick out of Florida International University, Smith has Titans writers raving over his raw-athleticism and quick-learning habits.
"The safety hit Jonnu Smith in the air and it looked like Smith didn’t even budge. Dude is solid and an athlete. Excited about him #Titans— Taywan-derful Taylor (@jlomas72) August 19, 2017"
He truly comes from the Delanie Walker mold, and has been rapidly progressing his run-blocking and pass protection skills. His sharp route running and soft hands have made him a reliable target with the likes of Taywan Taylor and Tre McBride on the Titans’ 2nd team offense.
Smith should be the favorite to take over the reigns should Walker get injured, in which case I’d expect him to be a reliable TE2 for fantasy purposes in Tennessee’s tight end-friendly offense. For now? Keep him in your thoughts of dynasty leagues, as he could be Mariota’s go-to tight end in the coming years.
Next: Titans WR Fantasy Preview
Use these takes to wisely draft your Tennessee Titans running backs & tight ends in various redraft and dynasty formats.