The eras the Walter Paytons, Eric Dickersons and Emmitt Smiths is over. There are no true featured running backs in the NFL. Given the violence of the position and the injuries that come with it, teams have altered their approach. While stars are still sought out, most prefer to have a committee running the ball. In other words two quality backs instead of one. That why a De’Angelo Henderson Bears meeting is deserves more attention.
Wait. De’Angelo who? Fair question. Not many people are going to recognize the name. Don’t count GM Ryan Pace among them though. He and other members of the team met with the young man for during as one of their select predraft meetings.
.@DHenderson31 had a great dinner last night with the @ChicagoBears and great workout today with the @AZCardinals #NFLDraftNews
— Enter-Sports (@EnterSportsMgmt) March 22, 2017
The De’Angelo Henderson Bears mystery
Again. Who is the world is this kid? Here’s a quick rundown. Henderson is a running back for Coast Carolina college. He fits the description of “big things that come in small packages.” At just 5’7″, he is hardly what one would call standard NFL size. Yet his numbers speak to a young man who plays twice his size on the field. He posted at least 1,100 yards rushing his final three seasons in school and scored a whopping 58 touchdowns.
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What sticks out the most are his versatility, agility and speed. The tape reveals a player who exhibits excellent vision as a runner. He finds the holes and doesn’t waste any motion getting to them. His ability to stop, start and cut back are also impressive.
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NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes he could end up being the ideal complimentary back at the pro level. One who can create mismatches on third down.
“Henderson is built low to the ground with the balance and power in his lower half to fight forward for additional yardage after contact. His courage, burst, and one-cut ability should appeal to zone-scheme teams while his pass catching and willingness to block gives him a chance to compete for a role on third downs. Henderson had prolific production throughout high school and college and plays with the mindset and confidence of a future pro.”
One of the lingering concerns going into this year was whether the Bears had anybody capable of backing up Jordan Howard. Somebody who could take some snaps away from him, easing the wear and tear on his body. After all, Howard has become the focal point of the offense after his outstanding rookie season. Keeping him healthy and productive is paramount. Besides, the situation behind him on the depth chart is murky at best.
Jeremy Langford regressed quite a bit last season, losing the starting job to Howard. Ka’Deem Carey is a spirited runner but hasn’t been able to convince coaches he deserves more playing time. What’s exciting about Henderson is he displays many similar traits to what makes Howard so great. The vision, the decisiveness, the productivity and the ability to break tackles. Could he end up being another late round steal for Chicago.
Given their obvious interest, they seem to think so.
