Chris Johnson: Future primary back?

As a result of being a first round pick, high expectations have been firmly placed upon the shoulders of Chris Johnson. His ability to make plays running, receiving and returning the football will be counted on heavily as the Titans look to improve an offense searching for playmakers.
Despite his small stature, Johnson packs a powerful punch. According to his draft profile, Chris has room on his frame to carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk without sacrificing his elite speed and quickness.
Could Johnson follow in the footsteps of other smallish backs who became every down RB’s such as Brian Westbrook and Willie Parker?

Of course, LenDale White will most likely be the team’s main running back in 2008. Coming off of a 1,110 yard rushing performance on a torn meniscus, White will be expected to again carry the load in the Titans’ running game.
However, if White fails to live up to the expectations that surround him, I could easily envision a scenario where Johnson becomes a primary back down the road. The aforementioned Westbrook and Parker are good examples of small backs that have developed into more than capable primary runners.
Plodding running backs have been the staple of Jeff Fisher ball. Before LenDale White, there was the grinding style of Travis Henry and before him, the power running of Titan legend Eddie George. The speedy Johnson is a departure from the type of back we’re accustomed to seeing in Nashville.
Though it will be exciting to see how Johnson fares on special teams and the passing game, I’m especially enthused about his potential in the running game. It should be interesting to see if his unique blend of speed, vision and patience will be successful in the NFL.
In 2008, the Titans are hoping that LenDale can be the thunder and Johnson can serve as the lightning in their rushing attack. However, don’t be surprised if Johnson steals some of LenDale’s thunder by becoming more than a change of pace back in the Titans’ backfield next year and beyond.