NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 22: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans rushes for a second quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Nissan Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Titans can’t afford to waste any of Derrick Henry’s prime. Here’s how they can surround him with more talent via the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Bengals’ exciting run to the Super Bowl came at the expense of the Titans in the Divisional Round. That postseason failure shouldn’t sit well with anyone in Tennessee. The organization must do everything possible to take advantage of Derrick Henry’s prime.
The dominant running back missed a significant chunk of the regular season due to injury which gave the Titans an idea of what life will be like without Henry. That’s an issue for another offseason. The time is now for Tennesse’s front office to go all in around Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Free agency will be meaningful for the Titans but heavy lifting must occur via the draft. Here’s how the Titans should look to maximize their haul through all seven rounds.
Round 1: Trey McBride
Tight end is an obvious area of need for the Titans’ offense. Ryan Tannehill likes to get the ball out vertically to his wide receivers but he also enjoys utilizing a dynamic tight end. McBride was an extremely productive receiver for Colorado State last season and should be able to contribute right away for the Titans’ offense.
McBride also is an ideal fit for Tennessee because of his willingness as a blocker. He’s not going to dominate opponents at the point of attack, but he isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to help out his running back. McBride won’t ever lead NFL tight ends in receiving yards but his well-rounded fit makes him a great value for the Titans towards the end of Round 1.