Ranking the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2022 season

Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL 2022
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) takes the field to face the Bengals during the AFC divisional playoff game at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn.Titans Bengals 069

2. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

2021 stats (8 games)

  • 1,091 yards from scrimmage
  • 10 total touchdowns
  • 18 receptions

Does any non-quarterback mean more to their team’s offense than Derrick Henry for the Tennessee Titans?

The winds of change are blowing for this team offensively.

Obviously, it was just 2020 when Ryan Tannehill signed a pretty big contract as this team’s franchise quarterback, but the Draft night trade of AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles certainly indicated that something is going on behind the scenes for the Titans.

Then, on day two, the team drafted Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, a projected first-round pick by most who lasted way longer than he probably should have, even as raw as he might be.

With Willis now in the fold, Tannehill’s future in Tennessee is officially on notice.

Could the Titans move forward with Malik Willis sooner than later?

If that happens, and even if it doesn’t, the pressure is going to be on Derrick Henry yet again to provide sustained offense.

Over the last three years, even considering he suffered an injury in 2021, Henry is averaging a whopping 115 rushing yards per game and almost 320 touches per season.

How long can his body handle that? We’re fixing to find out. He’s too difficult for defenses to stop even when they know he’s getting the ball.