The Baltimore Ravens got incredible value, drafting Willie Henry in the fourth round.
One of the most underrated picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, was the Ravens selection of Willie Henry. The Ravens took the thick Michigan defensive tackle with the 132nd overall pick. Henry is a 6’3″ 303 pound man on a mission. Henry has the physical tools required to be a stud in the pros. He has heart and a high motor. He comes into the NFL, well coached.
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Production
Henry may be one of the diamonds in the rough. The idea that such a productive and disruptive force was taken in the fourth round is amazing. Henry had 6.5 sacks last season. He finished his three year run with the Wolverines with 85 total tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. Henry also intercepted a pass in his Sophomore season. Some of Henry’s production is not seen in the statistics. For example he has a propensity for tipping passes and pressuring the quarterback. These things don’t count in the stats but they count in the games.
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Film Study
I watched Henry’s snaps in Michigan’s heartbreaking loss to Michigan State. Henry was quite impressive. What impressed me most was how he excelled in stopping the run. Henry was a force up front. He fought double teams, he squeezed his gap, down the line of scrimmage. He stuffed running backs in their tracks. He did not just blindly run forward, he was intellectually tuned into the game.
Henry likes to penetrate inside of the offensive lineman he is facing. He fires off the snap of the football. He is not overly explosive but he does not waste any movement. Henry is quicker than you imagine a 300 pound man to be. He does well with stunts. He got a key sack in the game swooping around the defensive end who cut inwards. He is a good athlete who has room to grow and improve.
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Expectations:
The good news is that Henry has time to develop. The Ravens defensive line is completely stacked with talent. If he gets the opportunity Henry is going to make an impact. He is a hard working football player. He is a run stuffing defensive tackle that can penetrate.