RUNNING BACKS
BIG TICKET PLAYERS Derrick Henry, Titans
Imposing workhorse running back carried the Titans in the playoffs. He had 386 carries last season, including 83 in the postseason. Expected to remain with the Titans.
Melvin Gordon, Chargers
Expected to leave Chargers and be fairly expensive. He is an excellent all-around back.
SOLID VALUES Carlos Hyde, Texans
Hyde rushed for a career-high 1,070 yards, showing power and a burst in the open field. Has been a journeyman runner, though, bouncing around from team to team.
Kenyan Drake, Cardinals
Drake played well after being traded from the Dolphins, rushing for 643 yards and eight touchdowns.
Frank Gore, Bills
Gore remains a tackle-breaker even as an older back
Jordan Howard, Eagles
Howard rushed for 525 yards and six touchdowns last season
OTHERS TO WATCH
Lamar Miller, Texans; Ty Montgomery, Jets; Ameer Abdullah, Vikings; C.J. Prosise, Seahawks; DeAndre Washington, Raiders; Devontae Booker, Broncos
TEXANS’ NEEDS
Fairly high. If Carlos Hyde is off the roster after declining a previous contract offer, according to sources, the Texans only have change-of-pace back Duke Johnson, a pass-catching specialist, to stand in for him. They would need to add a bigger, early-down back to replace Hyde. Lamar Miller is still recovering from a torn ACL and will head to free agency, according to sources. The Texans may want to wait until the draft to address the position rather than spend more money to get Melvin Gordon. They could add depth with a less expensive back like Jordan Howard or even Devontae Booker.