The big story around the NFL on Friday was the long anticipated release of Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
Even though the breakup was a long time in the making, it still is a little tough for some to fathom considering how bright a star Johnson turned into after bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2008. As teams such as the Cowboys, Jets and Giants ponder if the former Pro Bowler is worth signing, the Titans have their own decision to make: Who will the team draft to be Johnson's replacement?
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah suggested one name on "Path to the Draft" on Friday and thinks the team should stick with finding a running back who's not from a BCS power.
"I'm going to go to a small school: Towson University, Terrance West," Jeremiah said. "I loved when I watched him on tape. He carries that 220-plus pounds, he can run between the tackles, a very physical runner."
West might not be well known among most college football and NFL fans, but he has the potential to turn into a household name at the next level. He rushed for 42 touchdowns and 2,509 yards last season as a junior, powering Towson to a surprising appearance in the FCS title game.
While he lacks elite speed -- certainly nowhere near Johnson's -- West did clock a solid 4.54 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is looking to impress teams during private workouts in the lead up to the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Titans, by the way, already had West in for a visit before releasing Johnson.
"I love the agility as well as the vision he has inside," Jeremiah said about West. "He can catch the ball but will get better in that area. I think he'd be a great fit in Tennessee."
It's doubtful the Titans -- or any other team for that matter -- will look at West in the first round, but he could be in play on the second day of the draft. Though he hasn't cracked analyst Mike Mayock's list of top five running backs, West is emerging as a bit of a draft sleeper for teams in need of a running back.
Charles Davis also thinks Tennessee could look to grab Johnson's replacement even later in the draft. Given how much the position has been devalued, you could argue there will be plenty of value in drafting a back on the third day.
"I'll go a little bit deeper in the draft: How about Storm Johnson from UCF?" Davis said. "I thought he got better as the season went on. Coach George O'Leary had to get his attention a little bit and challenge him. He's a guy that can run the football and catch it out of the backfield, which is ideal for Ken Whisenhunt's offense."
Who will be Chris Johnson's replacement in Tennessee? The Titans front office might not even know at this point, but they certainly will take a look at West, among others, to help spell the load of Shonn Greene and Dexter McCluster.
Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter @BryanDFischer.
