Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Hunter Henry (84) runs after a catch in the first half against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

No position has been more en vogue or trendy of late than dual threat tight ends.  Finding ones that can both block and receive are valued commodities teams are paying top dollar for.  That is why Arkansas standout Hunter Henry won’t have to work too hard in order to get attention in the 2016 NFL draft.  Here is a rundown of what he can or can’t do.

Position: TE

School: Arkansas

Year: Junior

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 250 lbs

History:

He was rated the #1 tight end prospect in the nation, so it shouldn’t be a surprise he’s had success for the Razorbacks.  His father was an alum at the school and team captain for the team from 1988 to 1991.  Henry was on the Mackey Award watch list as a freshman.  His production has improved each year going from 409 yards to 513 to 647 already as junior and he’s now a frontrunner for All-American honors.

STRENGTHS:

• Size stands out and there isn’t extra meat on the bone.  In good physical condition.
• Shows speed and acceleration off the line of scrimmage.  Can get down the field quickly.
• Weaves his way through traffic over the middle without losing momentum.  Solid route runner.
• Natural hands.  Can make the highlight reel catch if the ball is thrown in his radius.

He does a good job here of battling through the press coverage by the defense and still get out into his route just in time for the pass to be deliver.  At that point he makes a ridiculous one-handed catch almost look routine.

• Stays aware of what his quarterback is doing and is able to go get the football.
• Does a good job working to the second level as a blocker and has technique to use body position and hands properly.  Doesn’t give up until the whistle.

Note how Henry is lined up with his hand on the ground.  At the snap he gets out of his stance fast and already has his arms extended.  He gains interior position, keeps the hands on the inside and doesn’t let the defender get away, allowing the running back to slip past him for a big gain.

• Also understands when to use power blocks and when to use cut blocks.
• Turns 21 in December, 2015.

WEAKNESSES:

• Doesn’t have the most natural hands.  Can let the ball get into his body at times.
• Can struggle to gain separation if he’s jammed at the line of scrimmage.
• While a good run blocker, he does have a tendency to struggle against quicker pass rushers.

Pro Comparison:  Greg Olsen

In terms of their running style, speed, competitiveness and size there are several similarities between Henry and the Carolina Panthers Pro Bowler.  The scary part is that Olsen wasn’t that good a blocker coming out of college.  Henry is.  So he might be even more complete.

Projection:  1st to 2nd rounds

His production isn’t otherworldly but that can’t be held against Hunter Henry.  He plays in an offense that like to run the football.  It doesn’t hide what he is so clearly capable of.  Blocking or catching passes, it doesn’t matter.  He can do it all and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if he went on Day 1.