The Top 100 highlights
My seventh selection for the Top 100 highlight series from the 40-31 group is
DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray’s first year as a Tennessee Titan was definitely a success. Almost 1300 yards rushing, and 12 touchdowns proved he was a smart acquisition. Approaching thirty years of age, there are some health concerns. The Tennessee Titans picked up Derrick Henry in the second round of the 2016 draft as insurance. Fortunately for Murray, Henry wasn’t really needed last season. DeMarco Murray has only played a full sixteen game Season twice in his career. One of those was last season. Did I mention that Derrick Henry is an absolute beast? He could be the feature Running Back on quite a few teams. Instead he gets very few opportunities as DeMarco’s backup. How long that remains the case is anyone’s guess.
For the time being DeMarco Murray is the key component to the Titan’s offence. I would expect him to get at least 275 carries, and another 50 catches out of the backfield. Provided he stays healthy. Do I expect his production to improve in his second season as a Tennessee Titan?
No I do not.
As I have already mentioned, Murray has only played a full sixteen games twice. He’s actually been relatively healthy the last three seasons. I’m just playing the odds. If the Titans want to keep Murray healthy for the entire season. That might require them to limit his touches, and give Derrick Henry a larger workload in his second season. Keep in mind that the Titans begin their Season against some bruising Defences. Some of the hardest hitters in the league are in those first five games. It’s so intimidating that I will be targeting Derrick Henry late in every one of my drafts this year. I also have a feeling that Marcus Mariota will be asked to throw more this year. The Titans drafted two Wide Receivers (Corey Davis & Taywan Taylor) and a Tight End (Jonnu Smith) in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. You don’t draft offensive Players that high to have them ride the bench. Another indication that the Tennessee Titans don’t want to force DeMarco Murray to have to carry the load. Now if he stays healthy he will finish as a Top 10 Running Back. That’s a really big if. Be very careful about when you draft DeMarco Murray. I’d draft Jordan Howard, Melvin Gordon, or Devonta Freeman before him. All three of those Running Backs come with serious concerns as well. I just have a bad feeling about DeMarco Murray. It’s not that I think he’ll suffer a Season ending injury. I’m just worried that he will get hurt. Just enough to give Derrick Henry a real chance to show his potential. I’m sure Henry is just itching for the opportunity. It might only take a game or two of evidence before the Running Back situation in Tennessee becomes a time share.