Derrick Henry helps draft stock in FBS Title Game

Despite leading the FBS in rushing and winning the Heisman Trophy, Alabama running back Derrick Henry is expected to go in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by most draft experts. Sure, running backs aren’t valued like they used to but Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott is projected to go in the first round.

This isn’t to say that Elliott shouldn’t be projected into the first round but that Henry should be too. At 6’3, 243 pounds, Henry can pound the rock all day and control the clock for an NFL team. But don’t let that size fool you, he has the speed to get outta there once he gets to the second level.

He gets to that second level with excellent vision, patience and and surprising agility to cut for a man his size. But his best quality is that he’s always there when you need him as he was in the FBS Championship game. Henry had 158 yards on 35 carries and of his three touchdowns, one the team’s first and the other was the game-winner.

His mere presence set the table for others as tight end O.J. Howard was a big beneficiary of play-action to Henry. From the fifth game of the season on, Henry has literally carried the team on his back to the National Championsip. He is now the second college running back in history to lead the FBS in rushing, win the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship in the same season.

And his big on the big stage should have his stock up into the first round by now!