With the No. 70 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Rams trade up to select Darrell Henderson, running back out of Memphis. Supremely fast back who can hit home runs from anywhere on the field. Occasionally can make defenders miss in space but his cutting skills are more subtle than violent. Speed allows him to bounce off weak tackle attempts.
Draft tracker: Get grades for every pick
Rams: A-
Pete Prisco: I love the Henderson pick. That kid’s explosive, he can fly. Here’s the thing about the Rams. What is this telling us about Todd Gurley? He didn’t play in the championship game … there’s some concern about his knee injury.
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Fantasy impact
Dave Richard: If you’re a Rams fan, you’ll love this pick. If you’re a Todd Gurley fan, you’ll be nervous. Henderson is a big-play threat with some of the best speed among the running backs in the class. In time, with coaching, he could be special, but expect his rookie season to feature him on a limited basis unless something happens to Gurley. He passes the eyeball test as a big back but he’s not physical. He tends to get what’s blocked and then make defenses pay when he’s in the open field. He’s also a little weak as a pass catcher with small hands and not a lot of experience, but Sean McVay could bring that aspect of his game alive. I’m also not convinced he’s a great pass protector. Fortunately for him, the unteachable skill of speed is something he’s blessed with, using solid acceleration to jet downfield. He’s the one to draft as a handcuff to Gurley with a pick in Round 10-plus. I’d get him then in seasonal and dynasty/keeper leagues. He’ll be a top-15 pick in rookie-only drafts.
NFL comparison: Dalvin Cook
Chris Trapasso: Henderson has eye-opening speed after he flips on the jets, destroying pursuit angles and outrunning everybody often. Cook was that type of freakish home-run hitter in the ACC for his entire career at Florida State. To me, Cook is more laterally capable, but Henderson did flash the ability to subtly avoid defenders down the field while at Memphis. Give either Cook or Henderson some space, and watch out. If they’re even, they’re leavin’.
