Projections say that he falls in the second round, yet there are some teams that may trade up to get running back Derrick Henry.
Matt Miller, NFL Draft scout and lead NFL writer for Bleacher Report, had some good things to say after studying Henry’s game tape from 2015. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound back totaled 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries.
Henry took home the Heisman Trophy and guided Alabama to a national championship, defeating Clemson 45-40.
Writing up Derrick Henry, and I understand why so many love him. Tough to overlook lack of agility/foot speed but he's a nightmare downhill
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 29, 2016
He excelled at the Crimson Tide’s pro day and NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 40-time of 4.52 seconds. His combine numbers mirrored those of Super Bowl champion Von Miller’s, accounting for 22 reps (225 pounds) on bench press, a 37-inch vertical and a 10’10” broad jump. At pro day, Henry displayed a rare ability to consistent snatch passes and turn upfield.
Henry and former Ohio State standout Ezekiel Elliot are the two best running back prospects in this draft class. It will be interesting to see who gets drafted first in Chicago on April 28.
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.
