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NFL 2018: 20 Running backs with best chance at 2,000 yards rushing

By Dan Parzych

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs upfield against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 29: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs upfield against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at FedEx Field on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

7. Derrick Henry

Despite only having four starts during the regular season over the last two years with the Tennessee Titans, early signs point to 2018 being the season in which Derrick Henry breaks out, and finishes near the top of the league in rushing yards. While there have been numerous occasions, including the playoffs last January, in which Henry has put together strong performances, the former Alabama star has also been limited due to playing behind DeMarco Murray.

Now that Murray is no longer part of the picture in Tennessee, Henry’s workload is about to skyrocket heading into his third NFL season, and it will be exciting to see what kind of numbers he puts up with a workload of a top running back. The fact that Henry was able to finish with 744 rushing yards and five touchdowns despite only starting two of 16 games last season is quite impressive for a backup running back, as the Titan’s offense seems like it’s going to be in great shape at the position for years to come.

Back in 2016, the main plan seemed to be that Henry would eventually become the go-to guy at running back, and there’s no question he seems ready to take on the task of being the starter for Tennessee. Plus, one of the benefits of playing alongside Murray over the last two years is Henry has been fortunate enough to learn from the veteran, which should also help him with the transition.

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