A Closer Look at Chris Johnson

For the third straight season the Titans spent an early round draft pick on a running back. Chris Johnson, considered by many to be a reach at pick #24, brings a speed dimension to the Titans that they were missing last season.

One of the Titans' needs heading into this draft was a complinent to their bruising running back LenDale White. Johnson is exactly that. He blew teams away with his speed at the NFL Combine when he ran a 4.24 40-yard dash. Johnson has the ability to hit a home run whenever he touches the ball.

He also gives the Titans a receiving threat out of the backfield that they were missing last season. Mike Heimerdinger likes to use the back as a receiver in a lot of different sets. Chris Johnson caught 125 passes in his college career for 1,296 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He had his most rushing succes in his senior season when he carried the ball 236 times for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns. Look for the Titans to give the ball to Johnson a lot late in games when defenses are worn down from having White pounded at them. He will also be the team's third down back and probably return kicks.

It is hard to give this pick a high grade because the Titans probably could have traded down a few spots and still acquired Johnson, but if he lives up to his ability he could be a star in this league.