1. Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry will lead the NFL in three metrics.
One look around the NFL will tell you that the days of three-down running backs could be nearing their conclusion. Teams, whether due to necessity or other factors are moving towards committee systems or, at minimum, two-back sets.
Some guys are bruisers but can’t catch. Other guys are great receivers and shifty, but they don’t have the skillset to pick up a blitzing linebacker or plow through the middle of the offensive formation and pick up a first down on third-and-one. Then, there’s the other component to playing running back, especially in the NFL. These guys get beat up a lot.
That’s why a talent like Derrick Henry must be admired. Not only is he a skilled runner of the football. He’s faster than you might think (no one seems to catch this guy from behind).
He isn’t known for his ability as a receiver. He has 89 receptions and three receiving touchdowns on his resume to this point of his career (84 games if you include what he’s done in the playoffs). Still, Henry is one of the rare three-down backs in the game and despite Julio Jones’ addition or A.J. Brown’s presence, the best offensive weapon Tennessee has on its roster.
Expect the offense to revolve primarily around him. Expect him to lead the league in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.