His weight ruled the conversation of media personnel Tuesday, yet it was Derrick Henry’s on-field workout that dropped jaws during Friday’s sessions at the NFL Combine.
The former Alabama standout and 2015 Heisman-winner showed out at Lucas Oil Stadium, posting an unofficial time of 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash (4.54 seconds officially).
4.54u 40 by Heisman Trophy winner @KingHenry_2 (@AlabamaFTBL).
Not bad for a 6'3" 247lb RB. #NFLCombine https://t.co/39XT98LBmS
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 26, 2016
Henry’s unofficial time of 4.52 seconds was the fastest by any Alabama featured back under head coach Nick Saban.
He recorded a 37-inch vertical, a 10’10” broad jump and put in 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Having that much speed and leaping ability, while being 6-foot-2 and 247 pounds ranks Henry in a class with very few. NFL scouts have started to compare his combine performance to the likes of Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller.
Heisman Trophy winner. #SB50 MVP.#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/s6ntiZoz9Q
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 26, 2016
Miller, who was the most valuable player in Super Bowl 50, was selected by the Broncos as the second overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He represented Texas A&M at the combine, putting up a 40-time of 4.53 seconds, a 37-inch vertical and 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Miller chimed in with a 10’6″ broad jump and like Henry, he weighed in a little over 6-foot-2. Henry has Miller beat by one pounds and a few inches on the broad jump; however, it is interesting to see how both stacked up. Miller became a Super Bowl five years after he was drafted. Henry enters this year’s draft as a late first—early second round selection.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
