Fantasy Insider Report: Titans Will Continue to Keep Derrick Henry Busy
The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Tennessee Titans
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Can we expect another 300-plus carries from Derrick Henry, or is this the year he slows down?
Henry’s production (yards per carry, explosive runs) has fallen slightly the last couple seasons. In addition, the Titans drafted Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (229 carries for 1,581 yards and 19 TDs last season) in the third round, so it’s fair to assume he’ll get some action. Still, the Titans’ passing game doesn’t appear to be too threatening, so I’ll guess that Henry finishes around 300 carries in 2023.
- 2023 Season Outlook: Tennessee Titans
Do you expect to see Will Levis starting at QB this season?
All the early signs point to veteran Ryan Tannehill serving as the team’s starter for a fifth straight season. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear following the draft that Levis was third on the depth chart, behind Tannehill and Malik Willis. It’s also worth noting that, in April, the 34-year-old Tannehill showed up for the team’s first voluntary OTA session. If the season goes south for the Titans, maybe they’ll decide to give Levis some experience. But at present, he looks like a prospect who needs some polish and refinement.
How much do you expect to see TE Chigoziem Okonkwo used in the passing game?
The Titans are never going to be confused for a team that relies heavily on the passing attack. But given Okonkwo’s progress as an explosive option last year — and considering the lack of options at wide receiver — expect plenty of opportunities for the Maryland alum. He recorded 24 of his 32 catches over the last seven games last season, and — per Pro Football Focus — he led all tight ends who had at least 30 catches with a 7.8-yard average after the catch and a 2.61-yard average per route run.
—John Glennon, Nashville Post