NFL Combine Scouting Notes: Running Backs

Our last running back is Derrick Henry. This guy is a monster. Can we just call him Monster from now on? Seriously this guy just cannot be human. He is 247 pounds, and runs a 4.54 40 yard dash. Ezekial Elliott ran a 4.47, and there is a 20+ pound difference between them. There are factors working against Henry from being a first round pick. Firstly, he is an Alabama running back. After the ones before him that is clearly working against him. Trent Richardson is one of the biggest busts we’ve seen to date. Ingram is took a while to get up to the speed of the league, and Eddie Lacy has shown weight issues despite his strong running style.

Secondly is the workload. He had multiple games with 30+ carries. That is a lot. However, that was only for one year. He did not do that for 3 years, it was only for one season. Teams don’t want a workhorse that is already worn out, they want a 3 down running back that still has plenty of miles.

HOWEVER, did I mention that Derrick Henry is not human? Do you know his high school stats? Over 12,000 yards. Yes, you read that right. Over 4,000 yards his senior year alone. This isn’t anything new for him to play at this level, he has always dominated the competition. Now let’s look at his combine. During his workouts he looked explosive, quick, and did all the little things right. 37 inch vertical jump and a 10’10” broad jump for a guy 247 pounds. He showed good body control, improved footwork, and much better pass catching ability than I expected. On a bubble route he got a bad pass and stayed in stride and fully extended the arms to go reach for it and get it into the proper hand immediately.

Overall I was more impressed than I hoped to be with Derrick Henry’s combine. I think he will go early second round, but in my opinion, I give him a first round grade.

Next: The Finale