Tennessee Titans, A Decade In Review : A Closer Look At The First Round Picks
By Josh Gunnels
Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) runs on to the field prior to the game against the New York Jets at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The Titans shocked everyone by taking the speedster Chris Johnson with the 24th pick. Directly following Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall. Mike Jenkins and Duane Brown were taken directly after the selection, and both turned out to be good players. Following that you have to go through another 18 picks to find your next pro bowler at any position. The Titans hit a homerun with this pick in more ways than one.
The franchise was injected with a star that excited the fan base and finally brought positive media attention to a franchise who’s headlines had been for all the wrong reasons. Chris Johnson went on to break the all time yards from scrimmage record while also breaking the 2,000 yard rushing threshold that so few have done.
Many take issue with CJ’s comments as being too selfish and centered. I personally don’t have too much of a problem with it. Would it be nice if he was a team first leader? Yes. Is it a requisite for being a speedster RB? No. His holdout did hurt the team, but if the Titans were going to cave and pay him that kind of money, they should have just done it sooner.
Grade: A