Rookie Watch Hunter Henry TE SDG

No tight end was selected in round one of April’s 2016 NFL Draft, but former University of Arkansas standout Hunter Henry was not far behind, going to San Diego with the 25th pick (four in round two). The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Henry has excellent size and good speed (4.6 in the 40). Most scouts credited his hands for Henry’s place atop the tight end prospect board, as he didn’t have a single dropped pass in 2015.

 The Chargers are known for feeding the tight end position, so Henry’s landing spot was as good as it gets. The biggest question now: Is Henry ready to displace a future Hall of Famer in year one?

 Dissecting the depth chart: Antonio Gates will turn 36 in a couple weeks. It’s been a good run, and Gates still looked strong at times last year (the only season in his career in which he averaged more than five catches a game). Still, there is no denying 36 is an ugly number for any skill position player. Henry has good athleticism and an opportunity to learn from one of the best. The Chargers parted ways with Ladarius Green (Pittsburgh) and Jeff Cumberland isn’t much of a threat to challenge for the starting job. This could be a slow transition, but the writing is on the wall for how San Diego would like this to play out. Gates seems ready to play mentor: “…when I walked in, from the first time of being around him, I could tell he’s a guy who studies in the classroom,” Gates told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “The tunnel vision of wanting to be a great player in this league, he has that.”

 Just the stats: Henry caught 116 passes in his three years at Arkansas, including 51 last season. Although he scored just nine touchdowns over that stretch he did post a few big games: four 100-yard games and a 92-yard effort against Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl this past January. His best game was arguably the 51-50 heartbreaking loss to Mississippi State in which Henry caught seven passes for 129 yards and a pair of third quarter touchdowns.

 2016 Projection: 29 receptions, 366 yards, 3 TDs

 2015 rookie comparison: Clive Walford

The two have roughly the same build (Walford is 6-foot-4 and 250) and Henry should see similar opportunity as Walford had last season. Walford did catch three touchdowns over one four-game span, but was used sparingly most weeks in Oakland’s vertical passing attack. He finished 2015 with 51 targets and only three games with three or more catches.

 Interesting fact that won’t help you: Hunter’s father, Mark, was an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks from 1987 to 1991.

 What he’s worth: He’s an attractive No. 2 tight end, only because it’s a throw-away pick. If you are confident in your starter being an every-week performer, Henry offers good upside. But the reality is that in year one Henry will serve the same role in San Diego’s offense that Green has the past few seasons.

Follow Mike Beacom on Twitter @mikebeacom