Oakland Raiders: Five Post-Combine Prospects to Watch
By Austin Gayle
Derrick Henry
Even though Raiders running back Latavius Murray rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and earned an invite to the Pro Bowl, Oakland still has a pressing need for another running back heading into the draft. Though this isn’t necessarily among Oakland’s top needs, Derrick Henry would be a steal in the second round if he were available.
The former Alabama back left his mark at the scouting combine, as the 6’3”, 247 pound back ran a 4.54 second 40-yard dash and finished top-five in both the broad and vertical jump. Also, Henry has the production to back his freakish athleticism, as he carried the ball 395 times for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final year at Alabama.
“Henry’s long legs and angular running style is a much better fit for downhill running teams who value lead backs and physicality,” via Zierlein. “Henry needs early running room as he’s not a creator in the backfield, but once he gets up a full head of steam, he is a nightmare with his ability to punish on the second and third level or take it to the house.”
Given that he has yet to prove that he can create running room in the backfield and make tacklers miss in space, Henry could struggle as an every down back. Also, Henry’s lack of talent as a pass-catcher nearly eliminates him from staying in on third down.
With that being said, Henry will need time to develop before he can be a premier starter in this league, but he would make an instant impact serving as the bruiser in a tandem role with Murray.