Rookie Watch Derrick Henry RB TEN

By Mike Beacom
Mike Beacom

The word ‘workhorse’ is often overused to describe running backs, and even more so in today’s NFL where running backs have become devalued. But Derrick Henry has the frame (6-foot-3, 242 pounds) and mentality to wear that label in the NFL. In his Heisman-winning 2015 season Henry carried the ball 20 or more times in 11 games for the Crimson Tide, including in the National Championship Game.

 Tennessee used a second round pick to nab Henry – one round after bolstering the offensive line with Jack Conklin – but Henry’s 2016 outlook is muddied by a congested Titans backfield.

 Dissecting the depth chart: Henry would be a top 15 fantasy prospect except for the fact Tennessee also invested in DeMarco Murray this offseason. No question, coach Mike Mularkey will emphasize the running game in Tennessee, but there is question as to whether he can satisfy both backs, and whether the Titans will have the luxury of running the football all four quarters this season. Murray was fantasy poison last season in Philadelphia, and many now believe the Dallas offensive line was responsible for the bulk of his 2014 success; regardless, the veteran will begin the year atop the depth chart, and the smart money suggests the Titans will use Henry the same way they once used LenDale White – as a change-of-pace bruiser. Further complicating this mess are 2015 franchise-leading rusher Antonio Andrews, 2014 second round pick Bishop Sankey and utility back Dexter McCluster.

 Just the stats: After seeing limited action in 2013, Henry broke free for Alabama in 2014 with 990 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns (he also caught two that season). He had 141 yards and two scores in the SEC Title Game against Missouri, and had a respectable performance in the semifinal loss to Ohio State. In 2015, Henry scored in each of Alabama’s 15 games and had four 200-yard efforts, including against rival Auburn (career-high 46 carries). In the National Championship Game he rushed 36 times against Clemson for 158 yards.

 2016 Projection: 101 attempts, 363 yards, 4 TDs, 6 receptions, 41 yards, 0 TDs

 2015 rookie comparison: Melvin Gordon

Gordon entered his first season with much higher expectations than those placed on Henry. Most thought Gordon would be a slam dunk fantasy prospect – the missing piece for a Chargers offense desperate for balance. Instead Gordon struggled, with just 3.5 yards per carry and not a single rushing score. Henry will find the end zone, but his total output could be equally disappointing for fantasy owners.

 Interesting fact that won’t help you: Henry racked up a Florida state-record 4,261 rushing yards as a senior at Yulee High in 2012.

 What he’s worth: Henry has tremendous upside in Mularkey’s offense, but this is as crowded a backfield as any in the league, and for that reason fantasy owners cannot afford to make Henry anything more than a fringe No. 3 back (preferably a No. 4). His best days are likely a year or two down the road.

 

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