After having a success NFL Combine and pro day, Derrick Henry is ready to meet with two teams that can really use a strong running back.
The former Alabama standout and 2015 Heisman-winner will workout for the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers in April, per NFL writer (USA Today) and SiriusXMNFL radio host Tim Pelissero.
Heisman winner Derrick Henry says he has two visits set up next month: #Panthers and #Cowboys. He's with us on @SiriusXMNFL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2016
.@KingHenry_2 on his pre-draft visits & the questions about his workload @AlabamaFTBL
AUDIO: https://t.co/CjzXdTwmmt #NFLDraft— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) March 16, 2016
Henry shattered records last season, becoming the first back in Southeastern Conference history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season. The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder totaled 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries. He stands with SEC legends Vincent “Bo” Jackson and Herschel Walker for having four 200-yard rushing outings in a season.
NFL personnel projects Henry to be the second back taken, behind Ohio State prospect Ezekiel Elliott. The Yulee, Florida native posted a time of 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash, while displaying a 37.5-inch vertical at the NFL Combine.
Scouts got the opportunity to see his reliable hands in pass-catching drills at Alabama’s pro day on March 9.
Dallas has the running back position labeled as a top need, after it lost DeMarco Murray in 2015. Jonathan Stewart is a productive player but at 28 years old, he is headed toward the backside of his career. Carolina selected Cameron Artis-Payne from Auburn, yet the Panthers do not know how good he really is. Henry will more than likely be taken between the first and second round.
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.
