The Tennessee Titans could be looking for a running back this offseason and if that ends up being the case the team should take a close look at Clemson Tigers standout Travis Etienne.
The Titans are expected to have over $57 million in cap space heading into the 2020 season, according to spotrac.com. That is a big number, but they also have some key players that are in line for a big contract.
Ryan Tannehill is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Titans next year, and to make sure they keep him they are going to have to pay him a big contract. Starting running back Derrick Henry is also in line for a big contract, but it's unclear how much the team is going to pay him.
If the team does decide to let Herny walk, they need to get an impact running back right away, and Etienne can be that guy. Etienne hasn't decided if he is going to declare for the NFL draft, but it's hard to imagine he is going to return to school for one more year.
As a junior, Etienne rushed 207 times for 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per game, and will be a lot to handle in the NFL.
Etienne will probably have one of the fastest 40 times out of running backs at the NFL combine, and he has getaway speed that will make him a deadly playmaker.
Thedraftnetwork.com gave the following review of Etienne's game.
Lethal speed out of the blocks. Acceleration and explosiveness are unparalleled in this class. A potential game-breaker each time he is handed the football. Can turn an ounce of daylight into a house call. Consistently makes sharp, elusive cuts in traffic. Explodes out of his cuts and possesses elite flexibility/COD to make defenders miss laterally. Shows potential as a receiver out of the backfield. Contact balance is severely underrated. Plays with consistent leg drive and bounces off arm tackles. Has the requisite toughness to improve as a pass protector.
The only real weakness with Etienne's game is not taking the three or four tough yards. He is always looking for the big play and sometimes he looks for it too much. Instead of taking three or four yards, he will bounce it outside looking for the big gain and finish with a loss of three or four.
That is something that NFL coaches can help him with, and he should have a long career in the league. If the Titans lose Henry to free agency, they need to take a long look at Etienne. Even if they don't lose Henry, Etienne could be a lethal change of pace back long-term for the Titans.
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