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5 NFL teams who could find their running back of the future in 2021

By Brad Berreman

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rushes from defender Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 22: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rushes from defender Vic Beasley Jr. #44 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images /

AFC. Tennessee Titans. player. 35. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. South. 3

Coming off a season where he led the league in rushing (1,540 yards), but also carries (303) with 83 more carries in the playoffs, Derrick Henry will play this season on the franchise tag (no sign of a multi-year deal as of this writing, ahead of the July 15 deadline). He’s the centerpiece of their offense, but the Titans could put him on the Cowboys 2014-DeMarco Murray plan and then just wave goodbye next March. Murray’s 449 touches (392 carries, 57 receptions) in 2014, the final year of his contract with Dallas, are the sixth-most ever in a season.

Even with his clear importance to them, Tennessee is smart to not commit to Henry long-term. Rookie third-round pick Darrynton Evans is a possible future replacement, but the Titans could easily aim higher in 2021 with a draft pick or free agent signing. Or maybe both, if things break that way.

A top possible draft replacement for Henry (h/t to Pro Football Network), with a comparable physical running style and receiving chops that have drawn a comp to Matt Forte, is Alabama’s Najee Harris. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will need the support of a strong running game for as long as he’s in place. So if Henry is not back, a seamless transition to another lead running back will be necessary for Tennessee in 2021. Fortunately, there will be ample options to consider.

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