Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry has decided to enter the 2016 NFL draft, according to Joe Schad of ESPN.com. By entering this year’s draft, Henry will forgo his final year of college eligibility.
Henry, a Consensus All-American, led the nation with 395 carries for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in his junior year at Alabama. He capped his incredible year by rushing for 158 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries in the Crimson Tide’s championship win earlier this week.
Henry’s staggering workload may be of some concern to teams, since only six running backs in NFL history have ever racked up 395 or more rushing attempts in a regular season. Still, he is viewed as one of the top backs in this year’s draft class, trailing only Ezekiel Elliott in the estimation of CBSSports.com and ESPN’s Todd McShay. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report currently places Henry fourth among running backs on his big board.
While Henry doesn’t currently project as a first-round pick, he looks like a good bet to come off the board on day two of this year’s draft. He could also be joined by several of his Alabama teammates in the 2016 draft class. Schad reports that defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson has seriously considered entering the draft, while defensive end Jonathan Allen and tight end O.J. Howard have also weighed the possibility.
The deadline for NCAA underclassmen to declare their intent is next Monday.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
He’s Melvin Gordon all over again
How?
He is a completely different back than Gordon.
Any eligible RB that’s projected to go in the 3rd round or higher would be wise to declare for the draft. RB’s have proven to be the easiest position to quickly assimilate to the NFL.
They also have an expiration date of around 30 years old, so the earlier they declare, the more years they can have making money in the NFL. Not to mention if you get injured in your Senior year it will cost you draft positions and money.