LenDale White

Thanks mostly to opportunity, White turned in a productive 2007, rushing for more than 1,100 yards and seven scores. He offers next to nothing in the passing game, and his 3.7 YPC left a lot to be desired, but his 303 rushing attempts were the sixth most in the NFL. White's style can best be described as plodding, but he's effective in shortyardage situations, punching in 6-of-16 goal-line attempts. He also later revealed he played most of the year on a torn meniscus, so some improvement can be expected. The Titans drafted the exciting Chris Johnson in the first round, but Chris Brown departed, and Chris Henry looks like a bust. Johnson is more of a complement to White, who still figures to get the brunt of the work. The hiring of new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger shouldn't change Tennessee's run-first tendencies, and with an underrated offensive line, White is in a good spot, even if he battles conditioning problems from time to time. White underwent arthroscopic knee surgery during the offseason but expects to be fully recovered by training camp.

White had an unimpressive rookie season, never beating out Travis Henry for the starting job and averaging 4.0 YPC in limited touches. With Henry gone, the opportunity is there for increased reps, but White has questions surrounding his conditioning. Reports had him showing up to the offseason conditioning program at 260 pounds. True or not, the Titans selected running back Chris Henry out of Arizona in the second round of the draft. With an improving offense centered around Vince Young, whoever wins the Titans running back job could produce solid numbers. Despite an impressive college career at USC, at this point, White looks like the underdog.

White was projected to be a first round pick this year until a poor combine showing, and fitness concerns among scouts, saw him tumble to the Titans in the second round. At USC he was the thunder to Reggie Bush’s lightning; in Tennessee, he’s more likely to be a short yardage specialist who saves some wear and tear on china doll starter Chris Brown. If his draft status serves as a wake-up call, however, and Brown once again gets hurt, the stout, 6-2, 235-pound White could surprise in a feature role.