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Player Comparisons: Derrick Henry

By Cody Milholen

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) scores a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) scores a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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I’m going to compare a few of the Titans players today to some players of old. I’m not saying any of these players will turn out to be great like the players of old I’m comparing them to, but I certainly I hope they become as good or better. I believe the Titans are building something special here in Tennessee, and I hope these could be glimpses into the future. So I’ve decided to start with the rookie fans seem to be most excited about in Derrick Henry.

Derrick Henry. 

Derrick is 21 years old, and he is a mammoth of a man at 6’3 and 247 pounds.  He won a slew of awards for his performance in the 2015 college season, they include Heisman trophy, Maxwell award, Doak Walker award, Walter camp Award, unanimous All-American, all SEC 1st team, SEC offensive player of the year, SEC championship, and SEC championship MVP. He runs with not only power but speed, he posted a 4.5 fourty yard dash time at the combine. He has the power to bust his way into the second level. He won’t be brought down by arm tacklers, and cornerbacks and safeties will have a tremendous time trying to bring down, even when they try and go low.

I have heard several people compare Derrick to Brandon Jacobs, a former power running back for the NY Giants. I can certainly see why people say this because they are very similar. He stood 6’4 and weighed in at 265 pounds, and while Jacobs was a good back, I have a great back in mind I hope to see Derrick play like in the coming years.

Jerome “the Bus” Bettis

Jerome only stands at 5’11, so he’s a little shorter than Henry, but the weight is very similar as Bettis weighed in at 251 pounds. He has been to 6 pro-bowls, 2 first All-Pro’s, won a super bowl, Walter Peyton Man of the year award, PFWA Good guy award, NFL offensive rookie of the year, NFL comeback player of the year, NFL Alumni running back of the year, Steelers All-time team, and his number has been retired in Pittsburgh. Derrick Henry is built like Jerome, but is a little bit taller, and the two have almost the exact same running style. This is the part that should really get you excited, Titan’s head coach Mike Mularkey was in Pittsburgh with Jerome and helped him reach the level of play that he did, so he knows what it takes to get Derrick there.

I’m not saying Derrick will be the next Jerome Bettis, but what I am saying is the potential and coaching experience is there. The question marks are, will this style of play work in the NFL today, and

Will Derrick Henry be able to adjust to NFL speed and defenses? We will just have to wait and see.

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