:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54387125/usa_today_9765550.0.jpg)
Carlos Henderson - Wide Receiver, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
HEIGHT: 5’11”
WEIGHT: 199 lbs
ARM LENGTH: 31 3/8”
HANDS: 9 1/8”
PROJECTED ROUND: Third
40 YD DASH (NFL Combine): 4.46 s
BENCH PRESS (NFL Combine): 13 reps
VERTICAL (NFL Combine): 36.0”
BROAD JUMP (NFL Combine): 131.0”
3 CONE DRILL (NFL Combine): 7.18 s
20 YD SHUTTLE (NFL Combine): 4.35 s
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8385321/usa_today_9656729.jpg)
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS: Henderson was Louisiana Tech’s deep threat. He has the speed and the moves to get over the top of the coverage, and can make a catch even when he knows he’s about to get hit by a safety. He can also put moves on would-be tacklers in open space to turn a short throw into a huge gain. Also a dangerous kick returner with two return touchdowns in 2016, three total for his career. He was both the Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year for C-USA.
WEAKNESSES: He can be too reliant on his speed rather than fundamentals. Most of his routes were simple, and he was rarely challenged by good pressing corners. Despite his good speed, he didn’t always use it in his routes. He’s more inclined to wait for the throw to come to him rather than work back for it.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Henderson could have potentially increased his value by staying at Tech for a senior season. However, his willingness to continue returning kicks despite being a top receiver combined with the success he had in that area could be his ticket onto a roster and a reason to draft him. He won’t be a lead receiver in the NFL right away, but he could see immediate playing time on special teams.