The Tennessee Titans landed their franchise quarterback with the second pick in the 2015 NFL Draft last year and are now looking to build a foundation around Marcus Mariota starting with the first pick in this year's draft. The Titans are reportedly expected to draft Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil with the first pick in the draft unless they are able to trade back within the top ten, and new general manager Jon Robinson has dropped hints that protecting their franchise quarterback is the priority in building a strong franchise in Tennessee.
While Tunsil sounds like a strong fit to land in Tennessee with the first pick, they could look to target a running back in the second round of the draft. The Titans have needs at offensive tackle, cornerback, safety and running back heading into the 2016 NFL Draft, and they could look to target Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry with the 33rd pick in the draft.
Robinson told the media at the NFL Combine that "he wants a strong, powerful runner," and arguably no one fits that role better than Alabama's cowbell Henry. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected Henry to land one spot after the Titans with the Dallas Cowboys in the second round and projected the Titans to take Penn State defensive lineman Austin Johnson in his seven round mock draft.
While the Titans may look to bolster their defensive line early in the draft, there is no question that Henry could make a nice addition in Tennessee's backfield. The Titans finished 25th in the league in team rushing yards last season, and a physical back like Henry could help their offense move the ball on early downs and make it easier on Mariota in third down conversions.
Henry still needs work on his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, but it's hard not to imagine the Titans not having interest in him, as he helped carry the Crimson Tide's offense to a National Championship. Henry rushed for 2,219 yards and scored 28 touchdowns in the toughest conference in College Football, and he will garner plenty of interest from NFL franchises come draft day.
It's unknown how high of a draft pick the Titans would use on a running back, but if Henry is on the board with the 33rd pick, don't be shocked if Robinson wants to add the bruising powerful Alabama running back to Tennessee's backfield.
