By Charlie Campbell
2023 Season Outlook: Henderson will see some quality defenses during his junior year. The toughest tests could come against Notre Dame on Sept. 23, Penn State on Oct. 21, and Michigan on Nov. 25.
Skill-Set Summary: Even though the running back position has been devalued in terms of high draft picks and big contract extensions, ball-carriers still have a huge impact on wins versus losses in the NFL, and teams need talent in the backfield in order to have a balanced offense. With his natural running ability, Henderson could be a pro starter capable of being a solid back.
Henderson is a strong runner who has a burst to get upfield. With natural feel and patience, Henderson lets holes develop, and then he has the quickness to dart upfield after deciding to go North-South. His strong build allows him to power through tacklers, and he finishes runs well. Henderson has lower body strength and contact balance to maintain his feet while pushing through defenders. The compact build lends itself to Henderson running behind his pads with good knee bend, and he opens things up in the open field to break off long runs. Henderson is not a super elusive back and is more North-South in style, but he shows some moves to change direction with cuts around defenders.
In the passing game, Henderson is a capable outlet receiver who can run the basic running back routes. He has good hands and is natural in the open field. Like all young players, Henderson will need to learn NFL blitz protection, but he has the build to be a potential blocker at the pro level.
Henderson looks like he has the potential to be a three-down starter in the NFL and the engine of a team’s rushing attack.
2024 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2023 season, Henderson looks more like a second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a huge season could vault him into opening night consideration.
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2024 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
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