Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Rams 2nd pick, Darrell Henderson, RB
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April 26, 2019 at 10:05 pm #100385znModeratorApril 26, 2019 at 10:07 pm #100386znModerator
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/darrell-henderson?id=32194845-4e05-4456-6f99-3e76d883b110
Henderson became one of the top college running backs by the time he finished his three-year career with the Tigers. He was an Associated Press first-team All-American in 2018, finishing second in the country with 1,909 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on only 214 carries (8.9 average). The first-team All-American Athletic Conference performer also caught 19 passes for 295 yards (15.5 average) and three touchdowns in 13 starts (he sat out the team’s bowl game to focus on the draft). Henderson also missed the team’s 2017 bowl game due to injury but played in 13 games that year (10 starts) and led Memphis with 1,154 yards and nine touchdowns on just 130 carries (8.9 average) to garner second-team all-conference accolades. The 2014 Mississippi Gatorade High School Player of the Year (2,253 yards, 32 TD) played in all 13 games with six starts as a true freshman (87-482-5.5, five TD rushing; 20-237-11.9, three TD receiving). He also returned 25 kickoffs for 487 yards (19.5 average) and a score during his career.
Overview
He checks in slightly undersized, doesn’t have great vision and runs with a narrow base that makes him easier to tackle, but so far, those concerns haven’t slowed him one bit. Big-play production is impossible to ignore, but his running style makes him best-suited to a complementary slasher role in a spread-based attack. In basketball, Henderson would be the explosive sixth man with the ability to swing certain games in your favor if he catches fire. On the ground or out of the backfield, Henderson can catch fire.Strengths
Home-run hitter doesn’t begin to describe his explosive production
Averaged 8.9 yards per carry over last 344 attempts
Movement has electric feel to it
Quick acceleration turns to get-away long speed
43 carries of 15-plus yards and 11 total touchdowns of 54-plus in 2018 alone
Unusual contact balance for narrow-base runner
Keeps feet moving at all times
Hits and spins out of contact
More physical than expected as run finisher
Used on drop-offs and screens out of backfield
Maintains potency as a pass catcher
Shows ability to track and adjust down the fieldWeaknesses
Comes in a little smaller than desired for an early down back
Upright running style with narrow base
Needs to get better at slipping solid contact
Displays some hip tightness and is a one-track runner
Plays too fast to effectively stack moves
High center of gravity forces turn rather than cuts
Faced light numbers in the box
Touchdown runs happening in wide-open spaces
Sees what is there rather than what is developing
May not offer pass protection value on third downApril 26, 2019 at 10:08 pm #100387znModeratorDarrell Henderson put up numbers last year rarely ever seen in college football. How the quiet RB from Mississippi got to Memphis and became a 3rd-round pick.@TheAthleticLA @VinnyBonsignorehttps://t.co/Nua5E4wksx
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) April 27, 2019
Darrell Henderson said when he spoke with #Rams during the process they told him there was a possibility they would trade up to get him.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) April 27, 2019
Suffice to say, I don't think the #Rams make that kind of move without anticipating Henderson playing a significant role. Which of course brings up questions about how much of a load Todd Gurley will, or can, carry
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) April 27, 2019
Suffice to say, I don't think the #Rams make that kind of move without anticipating Henderson playing a significant role. Which of course brings up questions about how much of a load Todd Gurley will, or can, carry
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) April 27, 2019
April 26, 2019 at 10:11 pm #100388znModeratorheadslapper
Run on RBs shows it might have been great timing
Moving up and grabbing the RB we wanted might have been perfect timing after watching a couple of RBs get drafted right after.
Also we did not really give up two 3rds like people keep saying, we traded two for 1 so we basically gave up one 3rd.
April 26, 2019 at 10:11 pm #100389Billy_TParticipantI like this pick, but the round tells us they’re worried about Gurley. Which we kinda sorta already knew.
If it turns out that the Rams have to play a lot of Brown instead of Gurley, it may well be Henderson who offers a great change of pace.
On the first pick, Rapp. Just saw that he had an injury (hip flexor) and that may have contributed to his slow 40. If so, I feel a lot better about it, if he can heal, etc. etc.
And with Weddle, they can give him time to heal and work his way into the lineup over the course of the season. I also like that he doesn’t turn 22 until December. I think Henderson is young, too (2016 freshman). I pretty much always see that as a plus when drafting.
April 26, 2019 at 10:23 pm #100393JackPMillerParticipantNot sold on the pick unless Gurley’s career is over. We need help on the interior OLine and NT, before getting an RB.
April 26, 2019 at 10:29 pm #100394znModeratorNot sold on the pick unless Gurley’s career is over. We need help on the interior OLine and NT, before getting an RB.
If they are going to manage his touches–and they say they will—they need a 3rd option.
Right now the Rams have 2 backs who were hurt last year. Brown and Gurley.
To my mind, it’s a priority to add a 3rd back to that mix.
Which tells us what they think of Kelly and Davis, IMO.
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April 26, 2019 at 10:30 pm #100395znModeratorIn 2018, Henderson averaged 8.9 yards per carry, giving him, over Reggie Bush’s famed 2005 season (8.7), the most-efficient yards per carry season (min. 200 carries) since at least 2000. That’s surely an impressive stat on its own, but yards per carry is a stat that’s noisier and less meaningful than yards after contact per attempt. Like missed tackles forced, yards after contact per attempt helps to highlight running back skill level independent of team blocking.
Since 2014 (when PFF first started tracking college players), there are 1,332 instances of a running back totaling at least 65 carries. Of those 1,332 seasons, Henderson’s 2018 season (on 214 attempts) ranks first in yards after contact per attempt (6.16). His 2017 season (on 128 attempts) ranks second (5.60).
April 26, 2019 at 10:36 pm #100400canadaramParticipantRic Serritella Draft Bible
3. DARRELL HENDERSON | MEMPHIS | #8 | JR | 08.19.97 (age 21.7) | Batesville, MS | 5083 | 208 | 3rd RD | 8.3 | Steinberg Sports
COMBINE 5083 208 3100 858 7378 4.49 2.48 1.59 33.5 10’1” DNP DNP 22
OUTLOOK: While perhaps lacking an elite package of size and breakaway speed, Henderson possesses excellent vision, subtle shifts and has an effective stiff-arm to weave his way through defenses. Henderson’s career average of 8.2 yards per carry tied Houston’s Chuck Weatherspoon for the highest in NCAA history since 1956. He declared early and skipped the Birmingham Bowl in order to prepare for the draft. Henderson could potentially thrive in a zone blocking scheme that would take advantage of his one cut and up running style.
PROS: A high energy player, he constantly keeps his legs churning upon contact and often times doesn’t go down very easily. Demonstrates good vision and burst, along with strong upper body, which makes for a powerful stiff-arm. Footwork and balance are two other areas that enhance his value. A clean player off the field, who has always done everything asked of him on and off the field, in addition to being an academic standout, according to coaches. He led the nation with 2,328 all- purpose yards this past season.
CONS: Lacks prototypical size and top-flight speed. Viewed as a liability in pass protection and is not considered to be a very good pass-catcher. Isn’t built to gain the tough yardage and only carries the ball in his left hand, even when running on the right side of the field. With just 431 carries for his career, there is some concern as to whether he can sustain carrying the workload full-time for the long-term. Some will also question the caliber of defenses he was compiling numbers against.
COMPARISON: Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings – A shifty speed back that is a real homerun threat as a runner and equally dangerous as a receiver.
April 26, 2019 at 10:46 pm #100404znModeratorYessirr Congrats Bro‼️#DreamsToReality https://t.co/gF7NNcFbjC
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) April 27, 2019
April 26, 2019 at 10:57 pm #100406canadaramParticipantFrom Ourlads
Junior entry and two year starter from Batesville, MS. First-team All-America in 2018 after he averaged nearly nine yards per carry. A big play back in every sense of the word who scored 11 TDs from 50+ yards last season alone. He is an all to nothing type of player who doesn’t exactly have elite speed or agility, but is a quick-reaction type mover who plays with hunger and desire. He is a smart runner who understands situations, not just a back that is always looking for the homer. While at the stats may have been inflated from poor defensive play by the opponents, Henderson can’t be ignored. There is a natural feel and knack for finding space that will translate at the next level, albeit he won’t be and every down player. Decisive and quick-footed that can adjust at the final moment to miss the meat of a hit from a defender. Contact balance is a plus with the kind of hunger that can be a weapon in and of itself. A lot of desire behind those pads. A slasher who can plant his foot and hit his top speed in a blink. Long runs were his specialty. Feeds off adrenaline and energy more that most. Can alter his running style on command. Can slide and slither his way through traffic but will put his head down and bull rush a pile. Doesn’t always get the push when he enters traffic. Needs to widen his base to create more leg drive. Doesn’t have a lot of experience as a blocker and the few looks he had weren’t impressive. Small hands combined with four fumbles over the last 344 carries can lead to ball security questions. 2018 stats: 1909 yds, 8.9 npc, 22 TD, 19 rec, 295 yds, 15.5 ypr, 3 TD, 10-124 KOR, 12.4 avg. (fourth/fifth round)
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by canadaram.
April 26, 2019 at 11:08 pm #100409znModeratorApril 26, 2019 at 11:32 pm #100420znModeratorHere’s Washington’s Chris Thompson. McVay had him in 2016.
They tried reproducing CT with Dunbar in 2017. That didn’t work.
I would imagine Henderson could be used in ways similar to how McVay used Thompson.
April 27, 2019 at 12:08 am #100434PA RamParticipantYes, this really makes me wonder about Kelly and Davis. It certainly looks like they don’t think much of them. Henderson looks good in his highlights. Very fluid, fast. And it was a need with the uncertainty surrounding Gurley now.
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick
April 27, 2019 at 12:13 am #100438InvaderRamModeratorthis i think is my favorite pick. but it also makes me go gulp!
mcvay is gonna have a lot of fun working this guy into the offense.
have i seen this kid play? no. nor have i seen any of these guys play…
but the stats alone make me excited.
April 27, 2019 at 1:09 am #100451znModeratorHere’s Washington’s Chris Thompson. McVay had him in 2016.
They tried reproducing CT with Dunbar in 2017. That didn’t work.
Speak of the devil.
—
Ryan Kartje@Ryan_Kartje
Les Snead said the Rams view new RB Darrell Henderson as a “change-of-pace” back. Rams tried to fit Lance Dunbar in that role before, and McVay has been looking for a Chris Thompson-like back ever since.April 27, 2019 at 1:12 am #100452znModerator#Rams newest running back Darrell Henderson was ranked 5th on our RB list for the draft, with an 89.4 OVR grade, 1st ranked Breakaway % and Drop %, AND 2nd highest elusive rating in FBS last year pic.twitter.com/NvG0BC95hx
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) April 27, 2019
April 27, 2019 at 4:14 am #100460znModeratorjrry32
I see why McVay values Henderson highly. He looked insanely good running outside-zone plays in college. He’s quick to the corner, and when he sees the crease, he plants his foot and explodes. He rips off big chunks with ease. He has instant acceleration.
He’s a compact runner with a well-built frame at 5’8″ 208 pounds. He doesn’t have a lot of elusiveness, so he’s a guy who won’t create something out of nothing if you allow penetration. However, when he gets moving, he’s not easy to tackle. He has impressive contact balance when moving. When you combine that with his speed, him being a small target, and his physicality, he’ll break more tackles than you expect. Henderson also finishes runs with authority when he gets going. My one big complaint with him as a runner is that I don’t think he’s patient enough. He doesn’t anticipate what will happen and then use that to create seams. He sees it and goes instead of creating it himself (like elite runners can).
In the passing game, he’s a very sure-handed player with speed to burn. He’ll have to get a better feel for route running and attacking coverages. He also needs to improve as a blocker. He has the strength, frame, and physicality, but the developed skill isn’t there.
All in all, I understand why they chose Henderson. He fits the scheme well.
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April 27, 2019 at 3:22 pm #100524ZooeyModeratorCBS has a Day Two Winners/Losers piece, and they list Gurley as a Loser.
I place it here because I think it says more about Henderson than it does about Gurley.
Todd Gurley
We already had a situation unfolding with the Rams where we didn’t know if Gurley would be the primary ballcarrier anyway, and now it looks like the Rams might seriously be reducing Gurley’s workload with the addition of Darrell Henderson, a.k.a. the “Human First Down” out of Memphis. Henderson is an explosive runner who is going to get on the field. Gurley is still a stud, but his health remains a major question mark for the Rams and we don’t know exactly how many carries he’s going to get. The early addition of a running back in the draft for a team with several other needs certainly indicates they may be concerned with just how healthy he is to start the season.April 27, 2019 at 3:50 pm #100535AgamemnonModeratorApril 27, 2019 at 9:45 pm #100588AgamemnonModeratorApril 28, 2019 at 11:26 am #100634znModeratorfrom https://gridironexperts.com/darrell-henderson-fantasy
Strengths & Weaknesses
When going through film on Henderson, it is obvious that he has true game-breaking ability. He is blessed with exceptional speed and acceleration that for sure plays a part in that aspect of his game. He is one of those guys that no matter what he runs in the 40-yard dash, you can’t look too much into it because on film he has shown elite game-breaking speed. But what I found most tantalizing is not a physical trait, but a mental one. His vision. Henderson’s vision is incredible. He has the innate ability to read the second level before he even gets across the first. Henderson wastes no time behind the line of scrimmage, seeing his hole and hitting it hard and fast. Like a Chess player, Henderson is able to think one step ahead of the linebackers and safeties. Upon the handoff, Henderson looks like he is shot out of a cannon, finding the best initial running lane with ease, while angling himself in a position to succeed once he reaches the second level, which results in the big plays that we are used to seeing out of him. Henderson gets “skinny” through the hole and can knife through light contact, squeezing his way to the next level.He is surprisingly physical for a guy of his stature, very rarely going down on first contact. One on One he will almost never get knocked backwards or get caught in a stalemate, seeming to always fall forward upon contact, and I find that important in evaluating a running back. Henderson possesses elite balance and is able to “pinball ” his way through contact and stay on his feet on his way to big gains. He is slept on for his ability to run between the tackles. In fact, it seems he thrives between the tackles as opposed to wasting time running laterally to the outside. He reminds me of Michael Turner in his prime in the way he runs. Finding his hole quickly and bursting into the second level for large chunk gains, while not being afraid to punch a defender in the mouth if he has to.
To me, Henderson possesses little to no red flags that impact how highly I view him as a prospect. But if I had to pick where Henderson may have a problem, it would be his pass protection. His size does not translate well to the NFL when it is going to come to blocking guys like J.J Watt, Von Miller etc… But in his defense, he was not really asked to do much pass protection in the Memphis offense, so you can’t completely write him off just based off his size. Henderson has 63 receptions through his three years with Memphis which is a pretty solid number. Most of them were shorter type passes like screens etc… but when given the opportunity in the passing game, he was dangerous in the open field. Henderson did not really have much film to go off of in terms of downfield pass catching ability so it’s hard to grade him on that, but he did make some good adjustments on a few downfield receptions that I saw. This just means he will have to show out in the combine and his Pro-Day in his strength and pass catching ability, to help alleviate some of the above-mentioned concerns.
Best Fit
The best fit for Henderson will be a team who has an established offensive line already in place, that can push defenders back allowing Henderson to utilize that exceptional vision/speed combination he has to accelerate into the second level. When his offensive line didn’t get a favorable push, that’s when Henderson tended to struggle a bit. I don’t want to say that he can’t create on his own, but he is at his best when his offensive line is playing above average. A creative, offensive minded coach, who is well balanced in his play calling would be the best fit for Henderson. He is a playmaker who will be able to do more than just run, so I really don’t want to see him go into a strictly run-based offense that doesn’t utilize their backs in the receiving game, as I think that could limit his true potential. Henderson would be best off going to a team with a slightly bigger back, preferably a vet, who can check in on short yardage downs and handle themselves in pass protection. While he may be part of a committee to start his NFL career, I think he can succeed earlier than expected if paired with a self-less backfield mate (For example, what Mark Ingram was to Alvin Kamara) who can show him the ropes and best prepare him to be the guy, either by the halfway mark of the season or going into 2020.April 28, 2019 at 12:14 pm #100643znModeratorPro Football Weekly
STRONG POINTS • Very productive. Quick, fast and explosive. Very quick to the hole with outstanding vision/ instincts. Might lack size but runs hard and picks up yards after contact. Can cut in the hole and find a seam. Capable of breaking a long run at any time. Soft hands and a very reliable receiver. Good route runner. Consistently makes the first man miss. Durable at the college level.
WEAK POINTS • Natural size, and he doesn’t have the frame to get much bigger. Willing blocker but not consistently effective. At his size, how long will he hold up?
WAY WE SEE IT • One of the more exciting runners in this draft, Henderson played in a read-option offense and was highly productive running the ball both inside and outside. He uses speed and quickness to explode through the hole. Henderson should be a fit in any offense, and though he lacks ideal size, he plays bigger and stronger than he measures. Henderson is not a real power runner but consistently creates after contact. He is excellent in the open field, with a number of long runs to prove it. He has soft hands and adjusts to the ball very well. Henderson knows how to get open after being used extensively as a receiver. He’ll fit in any scheme but might be most effective in an offense like the ones in Philadelphia, Kansas City and Chicago.
April 28, 2019 at 12:15 pm #100645znModeratorSTRENGTHS: Built low to the ground to maintain his balance at contact…shifts gears to skillfully weave through the defense, destroying pursuit angles…owns a dynamic plant-burst-accelerate sequence through the hole…able to laterally juke from trouble…good feel for inside-outside zone, making quick reads…instinctively strings moves together and gravitates toward space…at his best off tackle, using a runway to turn on the jets…big-play threat, leading the FBS in plays of 40-plus yards (15) and 50-plus yards (12) in 2018…his 8.23 yards per carry in his career is No. 1 in FBS history (minimum 415 carries)…has kick return experience with one career return touchdown (25/487/1)…reliable finishing when targeted and nifty after the catch.
WEAKNESSES: Undersized build with limited growth potential…average run power…needs to better lower his pads to create momentum through contact…swerves around corners instead of putting his foot in the ground and making sharp 90-degree turns…better initial acceleration than long speed…indecisive at times in the backfield…most of his broken tackles came outside the tackles…active in the screen game, but didn’t run diverse routes…room to improve his ball security (four fumbles the last two seasons)…wasn’t asked to pass protect on a regular basis.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Memphis, Henderson was the lead back in the Tigers’ run-oriented zone scheme, benefiting from a rotation that helped keep him fresh and sizable holes on tape. He leaves Memphis No. 2 in most rushing categories (behind DeAngelo Williams), including career rushing yards (3,545) and rushing scores (36). Similar to Dalvin Cook, Henderson is at his best when he can slash and weave through gaps, using his open-field moves to make defenders look silly at the second level. He isn’t much of a grinder inside and likely won’t be the same type of home-run hitter at the next level due to average long speed. Overall, Henderson faces a significant jump in difficulty level going from AAC defenses to the NFL, but his combination of balance, agility and run instincts helps him gravitate toward space, projecting best in a zone-heavy scheme. GRADE: 3rd Round (#80 overall)
April 28, 2019 at 3:05 pm #100669znModeratorhttp://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/teams/_/name/lar/los-angeles-rams
Darrell Henderson
Pre-Draft Analysis
Henderson is a quick and decisive runner with good vision and feel. He plays faster than his timed speed and shifts into another gear when he hits daylight. He runs hard and has above-average leg drive for his size. He’s a reliable receiver, but he’s a below-average pass-blocker at this point.Post-Draft Analysis
Henderson averaged a whopping 8.9 yards per carry in 2017, and thus defenses were geared up to stop him in 2018. So much for that plan — he averaged yet again an absurd 8.9 yards per carry. Todd Gurley led the NFL in touches by a running back over the past two seasons with 658, which perhaps led to his reduced role — and C.J. Anderson’s increased role — in the playoffs. Henderson has a chance to help, and soon. — Chris SprowApril 28, 2019 at 7:59 pm #100690AgamemnonModeratorApril 28, 2019 at 10:08 pm #100698HerzogParticipantHighlights are pretty sick. I can’t wait
April 29, 2019 at 6:08 pm #100744canadaramParticipantApril 30, 2019 at 8:50 pm #100800znModeratorMay 1, 2019 at 3:11 pm #100828znModerator -
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