Lo and behold, the Tennessee Titans may be interested in drafting another NFL Combine workout warrior.
According to reports, RB Andre Brown is scheduled to make a visit to Baptist Sports Park over the course of the next couple of weeks. Brown, who was hindered by foot injuries during his last two years at N.C. State, intrigued scouts with an impressive 4.49 forty-yard dash last month in Indianapolis.
Will 2009 mark the fourth consecutive year that the Titans take a running back with a first-day selection?
Brown’s story is eerily reminiscent of the plight of fellow RB Chris Henry, another workout warrior who, despite a lack of success running the football in college, blazed up everyone’s draft charts as a result of his impressive combine showing.
Like Henry, Brown never sniffed a 1,000 yard season during his college career. Andre rushed for a career-high 767 yards in 2008. If you recall, Henry’s best showing at Arizona was his 581 yard effort in his final season as a Wildcat.
We’re all aware of Mike Reinfeldt’s infatuation with players who conduct excellent pre-draft workouts. The aforementioned Henry, Paul Williams and on a more positive note, Chris Johnson are all vivid examples of players who vaulted to the top of the Titans’ draft day wish list as a result of their intriguing workout numbers.
Reinfeldt loves guys who emerge at the combine, so based on that alone, there’s a solid chance that Brown could be selected by the Titans next month.
Some will find it interesting that the team is even considering utilizing a 2nd or 3rd round choice on a running back. After all, the Titans have devoted a first rounder and two second round selections on RB’s in the last three drafts.
However, taking a closer look at the team’s current RB situation will provide some insight into the Titans’ possible decision to draft yet another runner. Of course, Chris Johnson is a certified stud, so selecting Brown would be in no way, shape or form an indictment of CJ’s abilities.
Backing up Johnson is LenDale White, who is conveniently seeking a breakout performance during his contract year. Chris Henry has been a disappointment, Quinton Ganther is ok and despite his promise, Rafael Little is trying to bounce back from a serious knee injury.
Drafting Brown would provide the Titans with a potential long-term solution at backup RB. If White departs via free agency next year, the 6’0″ 224 lb. Brown would take his place in the rotation while serving as the new hammer in the Titans’ Smash and Dash backfield.
Personally, I like the idea of selecting a guy like Brown but I must admit, I’m a bit leery of his lack of college production and his ascending draft status directly related to his workout numbers. Of course, you can blame this fear on the Chris Henry debacle.
What do you guys think? Would you like to see Brown in a Titans’ uniform?
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