Jun 23 2008
Tennessee Titans Offseason Fantasy Report
Overall Fantasy Impact: Below Average
Offensive Outlook: The idea in the offseason in Tennessee seemed to be to surround Vince Young with some talented skill-position guys in the hopes that it would ignite the talent that seemed dormant last season.
Three draft picks in the first four rounds plus a smattering of free agents added a lot of quantity, but whether those additions provide quality is questionable.
Young is still lacking in the kind of top-flight receiver that a quarterback needs to get to the next level.
As such, this playoff team from a year ago might once again have to do it with an opportunistic defense and a buttoned-down offense that does not play to its star’s prodigious talents.
QUARTERBACKS: While Young’s completion percentage went up, so did his interceptions. His total TDs plummeted from 19 in his rookie year to just 12. Nagging injuries certainly seemed to sap much of the big-play ability that he had in ‘06, and a return to health would be a big boost. But it’s hard to get excited about his passing prospects with the receiving corps to which he’ll be throwing. He could provide a big fantasy reward if you take the risk, but you shouldn’t take that risk until you have a stable option at the position.
Kerry Collins is the back-up, but he shouldn’t be considered on draft day.
RUNNING BACKS: The Titans have the makings of an explosive running attack, but whether that translates into big fantasy numbers for one individual remains to be seen. LenDale White stayed healthy in his second year and rumbled for 1,110 yards and 7 TDs. He’ll be a good no. 2 fantasy back, but his lack of big-play ability and the Titans willingness to spread the wealth at the position means you should wait ’til at least Round 3 before drafting White.
First-round pick Chris Johnson should make a perfect complement to White with his ability to catch passes and run at the perimeters. The East Carolina product is a bit smallish for heavy action, but he could provide enough big plays to make him worth a late-round pick. If Johnson isn’t ready, Chris Henry will get another chance to fill the back-up role after an injury-plagued rookie campaign.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: There’s not much to get excited about here. The only promising option is Roydell Williams, who stepped up after a few non-descript seasons to become Young’s favorite target. He’s still young enough to be on the improve, so a borderline 1000-yard season with a handful of scores isn’t out of the question.
Justin Gage should start, but he’s just a possession guy who, despite great size, has never been a great red-zone guy. Justin McCareins returns from the Jets, where he received little playing time the past few years. He should be more of a factor on this depth chart, but he’s not worth drafting unless he wins a starting role.
The Titans were disappointed with their tight end play last year, so they went out and brought in several alternatives, including free agent Dwayne Blakley and 3rd-round pick Craig Stevens. But the big name is Alge Crumpler, who could be a nice fantasy sleeper at the position. Injuries and the overall malaise in Atlanta caused his poor numbers last year, but keep in mind that Crumpler averaged 800 yards and 6 TDs over the previous three seasons. He might lead the team in catches, making him a viable fantasy starter.

