3 reasons Derrick Henry’s fantasy football stock rose without playing a game

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans rushes against the Washington Redskins at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 22: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans rushes against the Washington Redskins at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin.
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans blocks J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Impressive offensive line play

Early indications suggest that the Titans’ offensive line will be special this season after an impressive performance in the team’s preseason opener. The Titans used just two or three 2019 starters in that game.

Center Ben Jones, right tackle Jack Conklin and right guard Kevin Pamphile all got the nod on the first-team offense; although it should be noted that right guard Nate Davis did not play and could still present an upgrade over Pamphile in the run game on the right side.

Left tackle Taylor Lewan got some work in with the second-team offense, giving way to his four-week replacement, Dennis Kelly, who will be filling in for Lewan during his suspension. And, veteran and top-notch left guard, Rodger Saffold, got the night off entirely.

With all that said, Titans running backs saw some gaping holes to run through, one of which sprung running back Jeremy McNichols for a 37-yard gain. In all, the first three backs to get into the game – McNichols, Dion Lewis and Dalyn Dawkins – averaged 4.3 yards per carry combined.

Another thing we noticed was the Titans using boots and pre-snap motion often. This will help freeze linebackers and allow the offensive linemen to get to the second level, further helping Derrick Henry’s prospects as a runner.

Pro Football Focus ranked the Titans’ offensive line as the No. 4 unit in the NFL when fully intact, and so far it looks like that ranking might come to fruition. That’s great news for potential and current Henry owners.