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Tennessee Titans have battle between four running backs brewing for the RB3 spot heading into OTAs

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated May 21, 2024 2:24 AM ET

The Tennessee Titans will look completely different on offense in 2024. Derrick Henry's departure marked the end of an era that many Titans fans will certainly look back on fondly, remembering his many powerful moments. Now the new head coach Brian Callahan will install an offense with three wide receiver sets, more passing, and more of committee backfield based on his descriptions this spring.

Last season the Titans were one of just one three NFL teams whose RB3 saw 10 or fewer touches. One of just seven whose RB3 saw fewer than 30 touches. That extreme dependence and leaning on Derrick Henry has been the norm for five of the last six years, but it certainly won't be the case this season. So, who will be the Titans third running back in 2024? And why might that matter so much?

Starting & Returning Talents at RB

The Titans return talented second-year running back Tyjae Spears, who racked up over 800 yards from scrimmage as a rookie in 2023. Many assume the new free agent signing Tony Pollard will out-touch him this fall, but that's certainly not a lock by any means as Adam Levitan alludes to in his post below.

Would not be burying Tyjae Spears on the Tony Pollard news. Spears can ball. pic.twitter.com/wsfcaHjViv
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) March 11, 2024

Both Spears and Pollard are similarly built versatile running backs who bring electric burst and strong receiving ability. However, Spears has torn two ACLs and now no longer has an ACL in one knee. Making sure the Titans have a backup plan for him will be key. And Pollard himself wasn't as explosive in 2023 when given the full workload for Dallas. Both should thrive in a split backfield, but if either falters the Titans will need someone else to step up.

Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut are still on the roster, but both have no more than 36 career touches in two seasons in the NFL. Neither are locked in at all for the RB3 spot for the Titans.

New Faces at RB for the Titans

The Titans brought in two key undrafted free agents who should compete for the RB3 spot throughout OTAs and well into training camp. Jabari Small from the Tennessee Vols and Dillon Johnson of the Washington Huskies.

Jabari Small racked up over 2300 yards from scrimmage in his time with the Vols, posting two seasons over 800 yards and at least nine touchdowns at his peak. He doesn't have elite traits, but his sudden agility and vision could make him a prime candidate to compete for a roster spot this fall.

This run by Jabari Small was NASTY pic.twitter.com/BsvRGcUv5x
— CHANNEL TN (@CHANNEL_TN_) May 20, 2024

The other new face at running back may be the real deal, who could not only make the roster but contribute significantly and immediately on any and every down he's called upon.

Dillon Johnson of Washington brings feature back size at 218 pounds. He just tallied nearly 1200 rushing yards last season for the College Football Championship runners-up. He snagged 173 career receptions as one of the most prolific receiving backs in all of college. And he can pass protect like a pro as you can see in the post below from Ian Valentino (an A to Z Sports NFL Draft and College Football analyst).

Washington RB Dillon Johnson has made a name for himself over the second half of the season. He’s the key to this play. Takes the initial hit as a blocker and quickly recovers to keep Penix clean. pic.twitter.com/jVgbpXYPKU
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) December 2, 2023

It will likely be a long hard fought battle for the RB3 spot on the Titans, but the early edge likely goes to Dillon Johnson given his perfect blend of useful skills, size, and experience. We'll be back with more updates on the backfield as media availability continues to open up more extensively in the coming days and weeks!

Be looking for more Tennessee Titans coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some Dillon Johnson highlights from last season to see how he could fit with the Titans this season you can check out the video below!