NFL Draft Scouts’ take: Derrick Henry

SCOUT’S TAKE

 STRENGTHS

Powerful, yet graceful north-south athlete who can fit through tight spaces, using patience and instincts to gash defenses. Moves like a runaway train who is tough to slow down once he gets going and his final carry in the game is as strong as his first carry, getting better as the game progresses.

Shows surprisingly light feet to bounce runs outside, as well as the vision and patience to find creases and the burst to plant his foot and explode upfield. Once moving forward, Henry’s great size and power take over. With his plant-and-go burst, contact balance and overall power as a runner, Henry is ideally suited for a zone-blocking scheme where he can make one cut and get downfield.

He has improved as a receiver and blocker, although he wasn’t asked to do much in the passing game. Has displayed excellent ball security.

WEAKNESSES

Not many running backs in the NFL look like Henry, which can make his pro projection difficult. Like most big backs, Henry needs some space to get moving. He’s not nearly as powerful running east to west. Long legs and taller torso aren’t ideal for the position, lacking shifty moves to make defenders miss.

He struggles to consistently create on his own with choppy feet when forced to redirect, requiring a runway to get started. He also lacks ideal balance for the position, sporting a top-heavy frame and long legs which make it easier for defenders to tackle him low. This forces Henry to lunge, on occasion, rather than drive forward.

Asking Henry to dance laterally, however, takes away the raw speed and power combination that make him special. He has only 17 career catches on his collegiate resume and needs refinement in some areas to be an every-down back. Henry carried the ball 395 times in 2015, which leads to durability questions, but he didn’t show any signs of wearing down.

NFL COMPARISON: LeGarrett Blount

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