Chris Henry will be the Justin Fargas of the 2007 class (1 Viewer)

[Righetti]

Justin Fargas came out in the 2003 draft after attending USC.. His college career (at Michigan and USC) was impressive in spurts but incomplete.. 1677 yards rushing on 257 carries.. When he was drafted he did not look like he had a lot of long term competition in front of him (Tyrone Wheatley and Charlie Garner) and many (including your truly) thought that Fargas would have a chance to produce after his skill-set display that year at the combines..

Chris Henry in three years at Arizona.. he combined for 859 total yards (in three seasons) with 9 TD's plus 191 yards receiving with 1 TD..looking at the game log.. he had one big game @Oregon where he went 29/191/2 plus 1/21/1 on the receivng end but was unspectacular for the rest.

Justin Fargas

Heigh 6'1"

Weight: 220

Combine: 4.4 in the 40

benchpressed 225 pounds 27 times

11'5" broad jump

Chris Henry

5-11

230 pounds

Combine

4.40 in the 40

bench press 225pounds 26 times

10'7" broad jump

in their first year both had/have an opportunity to outplay two returning (possibly in TN case) veterans..

Fargas competed against a slow Tyrone Wheatley and an old Charlie Garner

Henry will compete against a slow Lendale white and (possibly) a walking injury Chris Brown

Fargas had the better college career but missed many games

what i can tell he had the following injury history while at college

1998 (while on Michigan) broke his tibia and fibula and had to have three surgeries that year

1999 (sits out the season to rehab

2000 (limited action as a RB, moves to safety for part of season)

2001.. sits out to transfer from Michigan to USC has a fourth surgery

2002... strained hamstring misses game and drops to backup until game 8.. has impressive last five games to finish the season at 161/715/7 plus 8/101.

impressive senior bowl after being named 2nd team all Pac-10

2003: Leg Injury shelves him for the season

2004.. hardly plays. only 157 total yards (sits behind Mike Bell)

2005.. plays less.. only accumulates 116 yards (sits behind Mike Bell who goes for 200/952/5)

2006.. has his breakout season.. 165/581/7 21/197/1 although he split carries with Chris Jennings

Fargas was being compared to Robert Smith in terms of skill set and Curtis Martin (based on collegiate injury situation)... Henry has been compared to Eddie George (by Jeff Fisher)

Fargas' pro career has been unspectacular to say the least

2003: 40/203/0 plus 2/2/0

2004: 35/126/1 plus 11/68/0

2005: 5/28/0 plus 1/9/0

2006: 178/659/1 plus 13/91/0

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

While that's a nice post, so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

Crazily, VY opens up so many running lanes, it might be a situation that any of 75 RBs in the league could knock out of the park, so who knows...

 

[Righetti]

 

[EBF]

Chris Henry couldn't hold Fargas' jock.

I'm not kidding.

 

[redman]

Chris Henry couldn't hold Fargas' jock.

I'm not kidding.

Literally?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

And toy with taking him in the 1st. Faletti had a brilliant insight into their draft, but I dont want to steal his thunder.

 

[Sanboy]

Titans panicked .. after learning M.Turner wasnt going to be dealt to them ..

they are no different than a fantasy owner who has a list of sleepers... and when its all said and done .. they drafted their SLEEPERS whiel there was better value on the board ....

a typical trap people fall into during drafts .. reaching for a sleeper ..

 

[Steel Mike Tomczak]

wait....so chris henry is going to be the best player on the raiders this year?

 

[Ash]

Difference is Fargas performed in college (when healthy). Henry's college YPC is probably a touch under 3.5 and as Righetti said there was only 1 big game.

Guy will be on a milk carton this time next year.

 

[Colin Dowling]

While that's a nice post, so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.Crazily, VY opens up so many running lanes, it might be a situation that any of 75 RBs in the league could knock out of the park, so who knows...

I don't know where the idea that Vince opens running lanes comes from. When running the read-opitino, yes, he opens lanes. But that play was RARELY implemented in the final month of the season that I think its affect will be negligible on Henry's chances for success.Vince opens running lanes for himself. The RBs better know how to take a handoff off-tackle on their own or they are taost.

 

[EBF]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

I think it's the same reason why they drafted Pacman, Woolfolk, Odom, LaBoy, Calico, and Roby.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

I think it's the same reason why they drafted Pacman, Woolfolk, Odom, LaBoy, Calico, and Roby.

PacMan doesn't belong in that group. The other options were Barron, Rolle, and BMW. I was hoping that take any of those guys over Jones and I was clearly wrong.

 

[LHUCKS]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

I'm still wondering myself...honestly, few picks have dumbfounded me more. They have to know something that I don't.

 

[LHUCKS]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

 

[Sanboy]

no but they stayed at a HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS that had NFL NETWORK re- runs of the COMBINE and say the higlights of the 40 yard dash of henry

" WHO IS THAT .. LETS GET HIM "

 

[redman]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

And toy with taking him in the 1st. Faletti had a brilliant insight into their draft, but I dont want to steal his thunder.

 

[Tenacious D]

I like the comparison.

LenDale White is being dismissed too easily. The Titans have spent two second rounders to get two opposite ends of the spectrum, White has trouble keeping in shape, but on the field gets the job done. Henry is a track guy playing football. They need the two to have a love child, then draft him in the first.

 

[redman]

I like the comparison.

LenDale White is being dismissed too easily. The Titans have spent two second rounders to get two opposite ends of the spectrum, White has trouble keeping in shape, but on the field gets the job done. Henry is a track guy playing football. They need the two to have a love child, then draft him in the first.

Reports from camp say that Lendale looks like he's pregnant, so maybe you're onto something.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

While that's a nice post, so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

Crazily, VY opens up so many running lanes, it might be a situation that any of 75 RBs in the league could knock out of the park, so who knows...

I don't know where the idea that Vince opens running lanes comes from. When running the read-opitino, yes, he opens lanes. But that play was RARELY implemented in the final month of the season that I think its affect will be negligible on Henry's chances for success.Vince opens running lanes for himself. The RBs better know how to take a handoff off-tackle on their own or they are taost.

that's all I meant. I also believe VY will make enough transcendent plays that defenses will just become more preoccupied with him. One of the most athletic players on the defense is committed as a spy on passing downs. The DEs think more about outside contain on their pass rush. Maybe there's a spillover effect on running downs, and there's definitely a spillover effect if they run on passing downs.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

LHUCKS, sorry to break it to you, but it was widely known that Henry was a first day pick. As CC has pointed out repeatedly, Gosselin said matter of factly on the audible that he could be second round pick, and had him ranked 3rd or 4th i believe. CC correctedly pointed out that it was probably a leak. Gosselin has the best connects of any draft analyst.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Justin Fargas came out in the 2003 draft after attending USC.. His college career (at Michigan and USC) was impressive in spurts but incomplete.. 1677 yards rushing on 257 carries.. When he was drafted he did not look like he had a lot of long term competition in front of him (Tyrone Wheatley and Charlie Garner) and many (including your truly) thought that Fargas would have a chance to produce after his skill-set display that year at the combines..Chris Henry in three years at Arizona.. he combined for 859 total yards (in three seasons) with 9 TD's plus 191 yards receiving with 1 TD..looking at the game log.. he had one big game @Oregon where he went 29/191/2 plus 1/21/1 on the receivng end but was unspectacular for the rest.Justin FargasHeigh 6'1"Weight: 220Combine: 4.4 in the 40benchpressed 225 pounds 27 times11'5" broad jumpChris Henry5-11230 poundsCombine4.40 in the 40bench press 225pounds 26 times10'7" broad jumpin their first year both had/have an opportunity to outplay two returning (possibly in TN case) veterans..Fargas competed against a slow Tyrone Wheatley and an old Charlie GarnerHenry will compete against a slow Lendale white and (possibly) a walking injury Chris BrownFargas had the better college career but missed many games what i can tell he had the following injury history while at college1998 (while on Michigan) broke his tibia and fibula and had to have three surgeries that year1999 (sits out the season to rehab2000 (limited action as a RB, moves to safety for part of season)2001.. sits out to transfer from Michigan to USC has a fourth surgery2002... strained hamstring misses game and drops to backup until game 8.. has impressive last five games to finish the season at 161/715/7 plus 8/101.impressive senior bowl after being named 2nd team all Pac-102003: Leg Injury shelves him for the season2004.. hardly plays. only 157 total yards (sits behind Mike Bell)2005.. plays less.. only accumulates 116 yards (sits behind Mike Bell who goes for 200/952/5)2006.. has his breakout season.. 165/581/7 21/197/1 although he split carries with Chris JenningsFargas was being compared to Robert Smith in terms of skill set and Curtis Martin (based on collegiate injury situation)... Henry has been compared to Eddie George (by Jeff Fisher)Fargas' pro career has been unspectacular to say the least2003: 40/203/0 plus 2/2/02004: 35/126/1 plus 11/68/02005: 5/28/0 plus 1/9/02006: 178/659/1 plus 13/91/0

Good job with the research.Nice post.

 

[LHUCKS]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

LHUCKS, sorry to break it to you, but it was widely known that Henry was a first day pick. As CC has pointed out repeatedly, Gosselin said matter of factly on the audible that he could be second round pick, and had him ranked 3rd or 4th i believe. CC correctedly pointed out that it was probably a leak. Gosselin has the best connects of any draft analyst.

Okay.

 

[Chaos Commish]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

LHUCKS, sorry to break it to you, but it was widely known that Henry was a first day pick. As CC has pointed out repeatedly, Gosselin said matter of factly on the audible that he could be second round pick, and had him ranked 3rd or 4th i believe. CC correctedly pointed out that it was probably a leak. Gosselin has the best connects of any draft analyst.

Okay.

Not to pile LThunderseeker, but Gosselin didn't say Henry could be a 2nd round pick in that interview. He said HE WAS a second round pick. That's why it sounded like a leak to me.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

LHUCKS, sorry to break it to you, but it was widely known that Henry was a first day pick. As CC has pointed out repeatedly, Gosselin said matter of factly on the audible that he could be second round pick, and had him ranked 3rd or 4th i believe. CC correctedly pointed out that it was probably a leak. Gosselin has the best connects of any draft analyst.

Okay.

Not to pile LThunderseeker, but Gosselin didn't say Henry could be a 2nd round pick in that interview. He said HE WAS a second round pick. That's why it sounded like a leak to me.

I think I remembered it as could be because I was so shocked when he said it. It just didnt seem right that someone in the beehive would say it so non chalantly.

 

[LHUCKS]

so many people are making this call that the contrarian view is actually saying he'll work out and live up to his pick.

This is true, before the draft I said somebody would reach on him because of his 40 time, but when he went in the second round every Tom, **** and Harry has been all over the Titans for the pick...talk about stealing my thunder.

LHUCKS, sorry to break it to you, but it was widely known that Henry was a first day pick. As CC has pointed out repeatedly, Gosselin said matter of factly on the audible that he could be second round pick, and had him ranked 3rd or 4th i believe. CC correctedly pointed out that it was probably a leak. Gosselin has the best connects of any draft analyst.

Okay.

Not to pile LThunderseeker, but Gosselin didn't say Henry could be a 2nd round pick in that interview. He said HE WAS a second round pick. That's why it sounded like a leak to me.

Pile on what? I thought he'd get reached on and Gosselin reported he was going on the first day...not a lot to see here.

 

[Traders2001]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

 

[CA_7]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

So basically, what you are saying is you know more about player evaluations than Jeff Fisher and Norm Chow?

 

[CA_7]

White out to erase doubt

Second-year Titan wants to be main running back, not share with No. 2 pick

By JIM WYATT

Staff Writer

For weeks, LenDale White heard the names of running backs such as Michael Turner and Chris Brown.

Then, during the NFL Draft, he heard the name of another — Chris Henry. The Titans used their second-round pick on Henry, the same round in which they took White last year.

"Honestly, no disrespect to the guy, but I didn't know of him until we drafted him," White said of Henry, who played at Arizona.

White promises he hasn't spent the past few days sulking. He's not mad.

White said on Wednesday he began preparing himself to be the team's starting running back at the end of last season, no matter if Travis Henry came back, if the Titans traded for San Diego's Turner, or if they re-signed Brown.

"In my mind, I feel like I am going to be the guy. And I am not going to give the coaches any reason to think otherwise," White said. "I know Chris is probably going to come in with the same mind-set, but I know the system and I know what the NFL is about.

"I am not saying I am a super-vet, but I have been around and I have seen Travis Henry, who taught me a lot. If they want a two-back system so be it, but I am planning on being the guy and I plan on leaving no doubt about it. And I have never run from competition. I have been dealing with that all my life."

Question marks

White joined the Titans this time last year amid questions about his work ethic and attitude, and he hasn't been able to silence his critics yet. He managed just 244 yards on 61 carries in his rookie season while playing behind Henry, missing three games.

Then in March, he showed up for the team's offseason program overweight, just a few weeks after the team lost Travis Henry in free agency to the Broncos. Coaches still have high hopes for White, but now the Titans have another back in place in Chris Henry.

"(LenDale) has to work at it," Titans running backs coach Sherman Smith said.

"LenDale knows that, and this guy is not going to wait for him. Chris … is coming in here to start. He is not coming to be the backup. And it's LenDale's opportunity to win the job."

Two-back system?

In the NFL, the four teams in the conference championship games from last year all used two-back systems with success.

White knows it's important to have two running backs, and while he's expecting the carries to be divided, he's planning to get the majority of the carries.

"Any successful team in the NFL right now has a two-headed monster," White said. "They have somebody that comes in and relieves the starting guy or just comes in and shares duty. I feel like for the longevity of my career, it is best to have somebody there.

"You look at the greats like Eddie George, for instance; he carried the ball a lot and his career ended prematurely just because he carried the ball so much.

"Don't get me wrong: If the team needs me to carry the ball 30 or 40 times a game, I am more than willing to do it and I am more than capable of doing it, but I think just for the longevity of my career it would be better for somebody to come in and relieve some of that duty."

At USC, White and Reggie Bush split carries, and White excelled. He finished his college career with 3,159 yards and a school-record 52 rushing touchdowns in three seasons.

Henry's college stats aren't nearly as impressive. He rushed for just 892 yards in three seasons with nine touchdowns, gaining 581 yards in his final season. Aside from Henry, second-year running back Quinton Ganther also returns for the Titans.

"I am not upset (that Henry was drafted). I am never upset, honestly," White said. "From the bottom of my heart, it doesn't upset me at all. I love competition. I played with Reggie Bush, a Heisman Trophy winner, and had two 1,000-yard seasons and led the team in scoring every year. I feel like competition doesn't do anything but make me better. So it is not an issue of making me upset. If anything that will help me. I have enough confidence and when it comes down to football I am going to get the job done."

Carrying his weight

Because of an injured hamstring, White showed up at Baptist Sports Park a year ago overweight. But by the start of the regular season, his weight was right around where the team wanted it and he finished the year around 230 pounds.

In March, White said he showed up for the start of the offseason program at 253 pounds, which upset some in the organization. But he said he's "right around 245' pounds now, and vowed to be at 235 — where the team wants him — when camp opens in July.

"I am not making any excuses for me being overweight. It happens," White said. "But the thing is, what I can honestly say, is whether it was at USC or with the Titans, I know when it is time to get back into it, and I'll be ready. I feel good about myself. I am not worried and as soon as the season comes around they'll see it. I'll have it off. By the time the season comes around, I'll be around 230-235."

The Titans are certainly counting on White to carry his weight this fall, no matter what it is. White knows it, and said he plans to deliver.

"I know there is a lot on me — we have to get this running game going to help Vince Young. I don't really feel like you can win if you don't have a good running game," White said.

"I am so eager and hungry. I can't wait to prove everybody wrong. But it is not just that. I just want to play football. This team is expecting a lot out of me, and I am not going to let them down."

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...00/1027/RSS0201

 

[waylander]

According to what I've read from Jeff Fisher and Mike Reinfeldt is if the Titans didn't take him, GB or NE would've in the 2nd round. Since the Titans have had some crappy drafts, everyone dogs the pick. If NE picked him in the 2nd, which was a possibility, then I think the masses would be praising it.

 

[LHUCKS]

If NE picked him in the 2nd, which was a possibility, then I think the masses would be praising it.

Not me.

 

[Donnybrook]

White said on Wednesday he began preparing himself to be the team's starting running back at the end of last season, no matter if Travis Henry came back, if the Titans traded for San Diego's Turner, or if they re-signed Brown.

He must have prepared himself mentally rather than physically. I simply can not stand White. I hope the over-rated Chris Henry goes in to camp and eats his lunch.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

If NE picked him in the 2nd, which was a possibility, then I think the masses would be praising it.

Not me.

Me neither, and I don't think NE would have ever picked him in the 2nd round.

 

[Marc Faletti]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

And toy with taking him in the 1st. Faletti had a brilliant insight into their draft, but I dont want to steal his thunder.

Heh. Um, brilliant may be a bit strong, but here's how I see the Titans draft narrative...Floyd Reese is gone, and Jeff Fisher has the power now. Sure, Reinfeldt is there, but he's in his first draft with a strong-willed, experienced coach who just won a power struggle with the previous GM. Fisher's calling the shots.

The one constant in the Titans' 3 first round picks: they each have elite talent and athletic ability that has been applied inconsistently (Griffin) or barely at all (Henry, Williams). In other words, their picks haven't "figured it out" yet. Fisher's always had Reese there to provide some checks (not always enough, though -- see: Jones, Pacman). But now he's in the first draft he can control, and what does he do? He takes all this ability that hasn't been fully realized.

Our reaction as fans/observers is, "huh?!" How could you take Griffin, Henry, and Williams when you could've had Reggie Nelson/Jason Hill/Antonio Pittman or whatever combo of more proven players who also show talent?

But here's the not-so-secret secret:

To make it as a coach in the NFL, you need a huge ego, and one of the natural outgrowths of that ego is the belief you can coach up a player to realize his potential. There's nothing wrong with this belief -- like I said, this kind of ego is essential to being a good coach in the league. But I think that in his first draft, Fisher became obsessed with what Bloom called "shiny objects" -- the guys with top-10 ability that you can't wait to get your hands on so you can craft the elite player you're _sure_ is inside there.

Because he finally gets to take whoever he wants, Fisher became enamored with measurables studs because he thinks he'll turn them into players. As even more evidence of this, think of what they just though with Vince Young. People said he was 2-3 years away from being able to start, and lo and behold, the guy goes 8-4 as a rookie. Now, that may or may not be Fisher's doing, but in his mind, don't you think he believes he and his staff had a _lot_ to do with Young's success? So, emboldened by what he sees as their masterstroke of turning a talent into a player last season, Fisher went all-out for talent on draft day.

Unfortunately, none of these guys are Vince Young. Henry had, what, six starts? And somehow we're supposed to believe the coaching staff at AZ totally couldn't figure out how to use a big, fast RB like him?

The only other theory I can dream up is that Fisher saw Vince Young turn a bunch of raw talents into a team at UT -- Mack Brown's team had constantly underachieved until Vince's arrival. Maybe Fisher thinks that by surrounding Vince with studs, Vince's magic and work ethic will rub off on them and turn them into players.

Given how little I believe in each of their 3 first-day picks, I can only hope the latter theory is true, b/c I'm afraid Fisher's in for a rough realization that not every 4.3 stud is fixable between the ears by his coach.

 

[djcolts]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

This sounds a lot like the criticism of Addai in the pre-season last year. There were plenty of FBGs that said the Colts would have to use another 1st round pick on RB this year because Addai is injury-prone, didn't start until Broussard got hurt, was a workout warrior, is JJ Arrington Jr, etc. It would be quite funny to me if Henry's successful.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

And toy with taking him in the 1st. Faletti had a brilliant insight into their draft, but I dont want to steal his thunder.

Heh. Um, brilliant may be a bit strong, but here's how I see the Titans draft narrative...Floyd Reese is gone, and Jeff Fisher has the power now. Sure, Reinfeldt is there, but he's in his first draft with a strong-willed, experienced coach who just won a power struggle with the previous GM. Fisher's calling the shots.

The one constant in the Titans' 3 first round picks: they each have elite talent and athletic ability that has been applied inconsistently (Griffin) or barely at all (Henry, Williams). In other words, their picks haven't "figured it out" yet. Fisher's always had Reese there to provide some checks (not always enough, though -- see: Jones, Pacman). But now he's in the first draft he can control, and what does he do? He takes all this ability that hasn't been fully realized.

Our reaction as fans/observers is, "huh?!" How could you take Griffin, Henry, and Williams when you could've had Reggie Nelson/Jason Hill/Antonio Pittman or whatever combo of more proven players who also show talent?

But here's the not-so-secret secret:

To make it as a coach in the NFL, you need a huge ego, and one of the natural outgrowths of that ego is the belief you can coach up a player to realize his potential. There's nothing wrong with this belief -- like I said, this kind of ego is essential to being a good coach in the league. But I think that in his first draft, Fisher became obsessed with what Bloom called "shiny objects" -- the guys with top-10 ability that you can't wait to get your hands on so you can craft the elite player you're _sure_ is inside there.

Because he finally gets to take whoever he wants, Fisher became enamored with measurables studs because he thinks he'll turn them into players. As even more evidence of this, think of what they just though with Vince Young. People said he was 2-3 years away from being able to start, and lo and behold, the guy goes 8-4 as a rookie. Now, that may or may not be Fisher's doing, but in his mind, don't you think he believes he and his staff had a _lot_ to do with Young's success? So, emboldened by what he sees as their masterstroke of turning a talent into a player last season, Fisher went all-out for talent on draft day.

Unfortunately, none of these guys are Vince Young. Henry had, what, six starts? And somehow we're supposed to believe the coaching staff at AZ totally couldn't figure out how to use a big, fast RB like him?

The only other theory I can dream up is that Fisher saw Vince Young turn a bunch of raw talents into a team at UT -- Mack Brown's team had constantly underachieved until Vince's arrival. Maybe Fisher thinks that by surrounding Vince with studs, Vince's magic and work ethic will rub off on them and turn them into players.

Given how little I believe in each of their 3 first-day picks, I can only hope the latter theory is true, b/c I'm afraid Fisher's in for a rough realization that not every 4.3 stud is fixable between the ears by his coach.

And the Titans already seemed to have an affinity for taking raw athletes. Putting Fisher in charge must have just poured gasoline on the fire. Im very to see how this works out. Like the players themselves, the possible results range from total triumph to total disaster.The funny thing is that their second day was outstanding for the same reason their first day was guys like ford, smith and johnson are all very interesting athletes, and they even threw in some safe investments like davis, filani, and otto.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

This sounds a lot like the criticism of Addai in the pre-season last year. There were plenty of FBGs that said the Colts would have to use another 1st round pick on RB this year because Addai is injury-prone, didn't start until Broussard got hurt, was a workout warrior, is JJ Arrington Jr, etc. It would be quite funny to me if Henry's successful.

Addai had a highly successful college career where Henry's was terrible.You are comparing apples to oranges here.

Addai:

485 carries 2549 yards for a 5.3 ypc with 18 rushing TD's

66 receptions for 641 yards and 6 TD's

Henry:

267 carries 892 yards for a 3.3 ypc with 9 TD's

26 receptions 205 yards with 1 TD.

How can you even compare these 2 situations at all?

 

[Colin Dowling]

The only other theory I can dream up is that Fisher saw Vince Young turn a bunch of raw talents into a team at UT -- Mack Brown's team had constantly underachieved until Vince's arrival. Maybe Fisher thinks that by surrounding Vince with studs, Vince's magic and work ethic will rub off on them and turn them into players.

Strangely, this comment is the first thing I've seen/read that makes me think things will be fine with the picks. Even though I think Matt Leinart will have better statistics, more Pro-Bowls, and perhaps even more wins then Young, Vince is the/was the best quarterback for this team and just the right time. When he plays, his "winning" radiates to everyone around. It reminds me of the Gene Chizzik story from the Rose Bowl when their was a Time Out on 4th and 2 in the 4th and the Horns were down 5. Mack Brown interupts Chizzik in the huddle and screams at the defense, "You stop them here and we are going to win this football game." That of course radiated to everyone watching; did ANYONE think that Vince Young was going to lose the Rose Bowl once they got the ball back? Doubtful.Back on track: Perhaps a combo of the "shiney things" theory and the "our quarterback makes EVERYONE so much better" theory led whoever made the decisions on day 1 to think that taking the best untapped physical talent on the board was better then taking the polished, safer choices.We shall see.

 

[CA_7]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

This sounds a lot like the criticism of Addai in the pre-season last year. There were plenty of FBGs that said the Colts would have to use another 1st round pick on RB this year because Addai is injury-prone, didn't start until Broussard got hurt, was a workout warrior, is JJ Arrington Jr, etc. It would be quite funny to me if Henry's successful.

Addai had a highly successful college career where Henry's was terrible.You are comparing apples to oranges here.

Addai:

485 carries 2549 yards for a 5.3 ypc with 18 rushing TD's

66 receptions for 641 yards and 6 TD's

Henry:

267 carries 892 yards for a 3.3 ypc with 9 TD's

26 receptions 205 yards with 1 TD.

How can you even compare these 2 situations at all?

The poster is comparing the Colt's decision to draft Addai question marks surrounding him to the Titan's drafting of Henry and his lack of experience. He/she wasn't comparing the talent of the players. You are comparing apples to oranges.

 

[djcolts]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

This sounds a lot like the criticism of Addai in the pre-season last year. There were plenty of FBGs that said the Colts would have to use another 1st round pick on RB this year because Addai is injury-prone, didn't start until Broussard got hurt, was a workout warrior, is JJ Arrington Jr, etc. It would be quite funny to me if Henry's successful.

Addai had a highly successful college career where Henry's was terrible.You are comparing apples to oranges here.

Addai:

485 carries 2549 yards for a 5.3 ypc with 18 rushing TD's

66 receptions for 641 yards and 6 TD's

Henry:

267 carries 892 yards for a 3.3 ypc with 9 TD's

26 receptions 205 yards with 1 TD.

How can you even compare these 2 situations at all?

The poster is comparing the Colt's decision to draft Addai question marks surrounding him to the Titan's drafting of Henry and his lack of experience. He/she wasn't comparing the talent of the players. You are comparing apples to oranges.

 

[enfuego]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

I think it's the same reason why they drafted Pacman, Woolfolk, Odom, LaBoy, Calico, and Roby.

PacMan doesn't belong in that group. The other options were Barron, Rolle, and BMW. I was hoping that take any of those guys over Jones and I was clearly wrong.

Jury is still out on Roby...(he was a round 3 pick, to be exact). Many WR's "come alive" in year 3. Odom is undersized and has underachieved. LaBoy is the poster child for inconsistency (mainly because he too is undersized and gets worn down). Calico = no hands = bust.

 

[enfuego]

If NE picked him in the 2nd, which was a possibility, then I think the masses would be praising it.

Not me.

Me neither, and I don't think NE would have ever picked him in the 2nd round.

Where do you think NE would have picked Henry?

 

[yellowdog]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

They have to know something that I don't.

Inconceivable.

 

[LHUCKS]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

They have to know something that I don't.

Inconceivable.

Well, I pretty much watched every carry of his career.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Totally agreed . Henry is a wasted pick and next season the Titans will still be looking for a RB .

I mean c mon the guy was nt even starting in college and had a less then 4 ypc in college , what a stupid decision by the Titans front office .

And on top if they had nt picked him in the second he probably would have gone undrafted.

This sounds a lot like the criticism of Addai in the pre-season last year. There were plenty of FBGs that said the Colts would have to use another 1st round pick on RB this year because Addai is injury-prone, didn't start until Broussard got hurt, was a workout warrior, is JJ Arrington Jr, etc. It would be quite funny to me if Henry's successful.

Addai had a highly successful college career where Henry's was terrible.You are comparing apples to oranges here.

Addai:

485 carries 2549 yards for a 5.3 ypc with 18 rushing TD's

66 receptions for 641 yards and 6 TD's

Henry:

267 carries 892 yards for a 3.3 ypc with 9 TD's

26 receptions 205 yards with 1 TD.

How can you even compare these 2 situations at all?

The poster is comparing the Colt's decision to draft Addai question marks surrounding him to the Titan's drafting of Henry and his lack of experience. He/she wasn't comparing the talent of the players. You are comparing apples to oranges.

Ok somewhat understood. But you are admitting that those are 2 totally seperate situations and thus different questions are asked. Injury risk question marks (Addai) vs ability question marks (Henry)

There is plenty more questions with Henry than Addai's situation soley because of how their college careers played out.

I know a lot less people questioned Addai's ability to produce at the NFL level whereas a lot of people are questioning Henry's ability to play at the next level. Therefore people are asking all of these questions due to player's ability. I think the 2 go hand in hand.

I think if people were questioning Henry's ability to stay healthy (like the questions were for Addai) then it would make more sense, but that is not what is being questioned therefore for myself I find it hard comparing the 2 situations other then each team selected a future prospect at RB. But I do see what you are saying.

 

[BLOX]

I don't know, I think the risk vs reward for taking this guy with a late 1st round rookie pick is a no brainer.

It's a risk sure, but not one that will likely kill a team good enough to be in the late rounds of a rookie draft anyway.

 

[David Yudkin]

If NE picked him in the 2nd, which was a possibility, then I think the masses would be praising it.

Not me.

Me neither, and I don't think NE would have ever picked him in the 2nd round.

Where do you think NE would have picked Henry?

Seeing how the Pats didn't have a second, it would have to have been later. And then they traded 3rd and 4th round picks so who knows.

 

[BostonSportsGuy]

Wait a minute --- you mean all 25 running backs drafted aren't going to make it?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Justin Fargas came out in the 2003 draft after attending USC.. His college career (at Michigan and USC) was impressive in spurts but incomplete.. 1677 yards rushing on 257 carries.. When he was drafted he did not look like he had a lot of long term competition in front of him (Tyrone Wheatley and Charlie Garner) and many (including your truly) thought that Fargas would have a chance to produce after his skill-set display that year at the combines..Chris Henry in three years at Arizona.. he combined for 859 total yards (in three seasons) with 9 TD's plus 191 yards receiving with 1 TD..looking at the game log.. he had one big game @Oregon where he went 29/191/2 plus 1/21/1 on the receivng end but was unspectacular for the rest.Justin FargasHeigh 6'1"Weight: 220Combine: 4.4 in the 40benchpressed 225 pounds 27 times11'5" broad jumpChris Henry5-11230 poundsCombine4.40 in the 40bench press 225pounds 26 times10'7" broad jumpin their first year both had/have an opportunity to outplay two returning (possibly in TN case) veterans..Fargas competed against a slow Tyrone Wheatley and an old Charlie GarnerHenry will compete against a slow Lendale white and (possibly) a walking injury Chris BrownFargas had the better college career but missed many games what i can tell he had the following injury history while at college1998 (while on Michigan) broke his tibia and fibula and had to have three surgeries that year1999 (sits out the season to rehab2000 (limited action as a RB, moves to safety for part of season)2001.. sits out to transfer from Michigan to USC has a fourth surgery2002... strained hamstring misses game and drops to backup until game 8.. has impressive last five games to finish the season at 161/715/7 plus 8/101.impressive senior bowl after being named 2nd team all Pac-102003: Leg Injury shelves him for the season2004.. hardly plays. only 157 total yards (sits behind Mike Bell)2005.. plays less.. only accumulates 116 yards (sits behind Mike Bell who goes for 200/952/5)2006.. has his breakout season.. 165/581/7 21/197/1 although he split carries with Chris JenningsFargas was being compared to Robert Smith in terms of skill set and Curtis Martin (based on collegiate injury situation)... Henry has been compared to Eddie George (by Jeff Fisher)Fargas' pro career has been unspectacular to say the least2003: 40/203/0 plus 2/2/02004: 35/126/1 plus 11/68/02005: 5/28/0 plus 1/9/02006: 178/659/1 plus 13/91/0

Excellent post Righetti.J

 

[redman]

Why did Tennessee use a 2nd round pick on him?

And toy with taking him in the 1st. Faletti had a brilliant insight into their draft, but I dont want to steal his thunder.

Heh. Um, brilliant may be a bit strong, but here's how I see the Titans draft narrative...Floyd Reese is gone, and Jeff Fisher has the power now. Sure, Reinfeldt is there, but he's in his first draft with a strong-willed, experienced coach who just won a power struggle with the previous GM. Fisher's calling the shots.

The one constant in the Titans' 3 first round picks: they each have elite talent and athletic ability that has been applied inconsistently (Griffin) or barely at all (Henry, Williams). In other words, their picks haven't "figured it out" yet. Fisher's always had Reese there to provide some checks (not always enough, though -- see: Jones, Pacman). But now he's in the first draft he can control, and what does he do? He takes all this ability that hasn't been fully realized.

Our reaction as fans/observers is, "huh?!" How could you take Griffin, Henry, and Williams when you could've had Reggie Nelson/Jason Hill/Antonio Pittman or whatever combo of more proven players who also show talent?

But here's the not-so-secret secret:

To make it as a coach in the NFL, you need a huge ego, and one of the natural outgrowths of that ego is the belief you can coach up a player to realize his potential. There's nothing wrong with this belief -- like I said, this kind of ego is essential to being a good coach in the league. But I think that in his first draft, Fisher became obsessed with what Bloom called "shiny objects" -- the guys with top-10 ability that you can't wait to get your hands on so you can craft the elite player you're _sure_ is inside there.

Because he finally gets to take whoever he wants, Fisher became enamored with measurables studs because he thinks he'll turn them into players. As even more evidence of this, think of what they just though with Vince Young. People said he was 2-3 years away from being able to start, and lo and behold, the guy goes 8-4 as a rookie. Now, that may or may not be Fisher's doing, but in his mind, don't you think he believes he and his staff had a _lot_ to do with Young's success? So, emboldened by what he sees as their masterstroke of turning a talent into a player last season, Fisher went all-out for talent on draft day.

Unfortunately, none of these guys are Vince Young. Henry had, what, six starts? And somehow we're supposed to believe the coaching staff at AZ totally couldn't figure out how to use a big, fast RB like him?

The only other theory I can dream up is that Fisher saw Vince Young turn a bunch of raw talents into a team at UT -- Mack Brown's team had constantly underachieved until Vince's arrival. Maybe Fisher thinks that by surrounding Vince with studs, Vince's magic and work ethic will rub off on them and turn them into players.

Given how little I believe in each of their 3 first-day picks, I can only hope the latter theory is true, b/c I'm afraid Fisher's in for a rough realization that not every 4.3 stud is fixable between the ears by his coach.

It sounds like as good of a theory as any. I think Henry's going to bust no matter what anyone intends or does. He just doesn't have enough football credentials (as opposed to athletic credentials/measurables) to succeed. I think it was a disaster for them to have passed on Lorenzo Booker there, a guy who would immediately make for a good 3rd down/recieving RB and who could challenge for the starting role potentially in the Leon Washington mold. That would have immediately elevated their draft.

I drafted Williams, though, because that guy looks like he could be a monster, and because his problem - lack of focus and motivation - are the kinds of things that I could realistically see a leader like Vince Young affecting positively. Time will tell.

I do, however, think there's something to your observations about Fisher.