In our latest training camp preview, we take a look at the Tennessee Titans’ running backs room, which is spearheaded by one of the best in the business in Derrick Henry.
People have been trying to write Henry’s career obituary since he suffered a foot injury in 2021 that knocked him out for half of a season. However, folks will have to hold off on that.
That’s because Henry showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank following a season in which he tallied 1,538 yards on the ground despite having a putrid offensive line in front of him. He also tallied career-highs in receptions (33) and receiving yards (398).
Joining holdovers from last year like Julius Chestnut and Jonathan Ward are 2023 third-round pick, Tyjae Spears, and undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, Charles McClelland.
So, let’s talk about it: here’s a look at Tennessee’s roster locks at the position, as well as the players on the bubble, the competition set to take place, and a 53-man projection for how it will all pan out.
Check out our other training camp preview: QB
Roster locks
Roster locks: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears
The Titans had three roster locks at the position not long ago, but that has changed in recent weeks after the arrest of Hassan Haskins (more on that shortly).
Henry is set to lead Tennessee’s backfield once again in 2023, so he doesn’t have to do anything but continue to hammer down the new offense.
Behind Henry is Spears, who was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. The Tulane product will definitely make the cut, but how big of a role he grabs as a change-of-pace, third-down back will depend upon how much progress he makes the rest of the summer.
If Spears can show he’s an effective blocker and pass-catcher who can line up anywhere on the field, he’ll have a sizeable role out of the gate. It wouldn’t shock me to see him get a look as a returner, also.
Also keep an eye on how the Titans utilize him. Spears’ ability to line up anywhere in the formation as a pass-catcher will give him more opportunities
On the bubble
On the bubble: Hassan Haskins, Jonathan Ward, Julius Chestnut, Charles McClelland (UDFA)
Haskins would’ve been a lock seeing as how he’s in just his second year after being a fourth-round pick in 2022, and after having proved to be a solid special teams contributor.
But his current legal issue will get him cut if what he’s alleged to have done turns out to be true.
While Haskins does hold special teams value, both in coverage and as a returner, he’s also a No. 3 back who is easily replaceable. Chestnut is a similar player, giving Tennessee a suitable in-house replacement.
Ward was a late-season addition by Tennessee in 2022 and played primarily on special teams. McClelland was inked as an undrafted free agent this offseason.
The competitions
The Titans carried four running backs into 2022, but could conceivably carry as little as three given how much work Henry takes up. That means there’s one or two spot up for grabs at most.
No matter if it’s three or four, if Haskins gets cut, it opens up an opportunity for everyone else, as he was secure in my eyes before his arrest.
Of the four players behind Henry and Spears, Ward was actually the biggest standout during the offseason program. However, Chestnut shouldn’t be overlooked after surprisingly making the cut on Tennessee’s initial 53-man roster last year. McClelland, of course, faces the biggest uphill climb and chances are his best bet to stick around will come via the practice squad.
Whoever ends up making the cut behind Spears and Henry will be hoping for any semblance of scraps on offense but will definitely have a role on special teams, so showing out in that area during camp will be vital to their chances.
As for Spears, he’s in a competition with himself. He has to prove he’s capable of handling passing-down work and blocking if he wants to maximize his snaps in Year 1.
53-man roster prediction
53-man prediction: Derrick Henry, Tyjae Spears, Hassan Haskins, Jonathan Ward
Henry returns to his massive workload on the ground in 2023, but don’t be surprised to see his involvement in the passing game reduced now that he doesn’t have Downing calling the plays.
Another factor in that will be Spears, who will handle a good amount of third-down work as long as he’s effective.
I don’t know anything about Haskins’ legal situation, but until he gets the boot from the Titans he remains in my 53-man projection.
Haskins will serve as the No. 3 back and would split work with the rookie if Henry gets hurt. His biggest contribution will come on special teams, where he’ll help out in coverage and as a returner. Haskins was actually solid on kickoffs last year, averaging 21.8 yards per return.
With three capable backs for the offense in this scenario, Tennessee opts to carry a fourth for special teams purposes, and I think the more experienced Ward takes it over Chestnut and McClelland, both of whom will hope to secure a spot on the practice squad.
