re: Greatest running back in SEC History, Derrick Henry, turning pro

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Henry is coming off a dominant campaign, posting 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns en route to the Heisman Trophy and a championship ring. Sledding is going to be tougher in the NFL. While a tremendously gifted athlete at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Henry doesn't have the foot speed, short-area acceleration or receiving acumen generally required of a three-down NFL runner. What he is, to us, is Brandon Jacobs, a terrifying platoon runner. If all goes well, Henry will find his change-of-pace Tiki Barber-type via a Day 2 selection. If over-drafted in Rd. 1 and asked to be the face of an NFL offense, Henry would not be as stretched as Trent Richardson, but it's probably best that no team tries to figure out by how much.

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2219>1953

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Greatest running back I've seen play

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Draft Projection: Early 2nd Round | NFL Comparison: Eddie George

Positives-
Rare, intimidating size. A very strong, muscled athlete. His power is in his upper body. Unique hip movement and agility for his size. Has the strength to power through defenders when needed. Patient runner. Maneuvers through holes and can string moves together in trash with unbelievable ease. For his size he can make himself impossibly small through the line and go through holes you can't see watching booth tape. Tears up yards when he gets free and has the speed to threaten. Has deceptive long speed and is rarely tracked down. Rarely gets tracked down running to the outside while making the loop and picking his hole. Runs square and controlled making him less vulnerable to taking shots. Avoids contact whenever possible but lays the wood when necessary. Doesn't appear to have any problems with his run vision and finding holes. Shows dominant potential in pass protection with the ability to square up and use his upper-body power. Has the size and natural hands to become an asset in the passing game where he gets in front of the ball square and plucks it. Ran the ball at a high level even with defenses keying in on the run. Handled the load well without getting hurt and hasn't had any injury problems of note while playing football.

Negatives-
High-cut player. Small torso and very long legs. One of the most unique RB bodies you will find even going back into history. His body does not give him natural leverage and will by no fault of his own run high most of the time leaving him susceptible to hits. Has trouble using his body in short yardage situations due to his stature. Instead of moving the pile will sometimes get stood up. Due to his size he sometimes has trouble recovering in pass protection when blocking quicker players. Not overly adept at timing blocks in the second level in the run game.

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