Chicago Bears: 4 Running backs to target in 2019 NFL Draft
Darrell Henderson, Memphis (5-9, 200 pounds)
The Memphis Tigers were a fun team to watch. If you love offense (and judging by the reaction to the Super Bowl, a lot of people do) then you’d love watching them play. They put up an average of 43 points per game.
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A big reason for that was the play of Darrell Henderson. In 2018, he ran for 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns. He added 295 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. For his career, he ran for 3,545 yards and 36 touchdowns while adding 758 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches. He averaged 8.2 yards per carry and 15.2 yards per catch.
Henderson’s 40-yard speed is reportedly 4.40-4.45 seconds, which makes him a speedy option. Once he hits the hole he can break away from defenders with ease. He stays low so he has great balance. That makes it tough to knock him down. His great body control allows him to avoid defenders and his cuts are deadly.
To give you an idea of how much of a big-play threat Henderson is, compare him to Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin. Taylor led the nation in rushing in 2018 with 2,194 yards. That was 285 yards more than Henderson. However, Henderson got his yards with 93 fewer carries. He led the nation by having 15 runs of 40 yards or more.
Having Henderson and Cohen gives the Chicago Bears and incredibly athletic backfield. The speed and escapability skills of the two will drive defenses crazy trying to contain them. Some may say they both do the same, but Henderson’s stocky build allows him to run the ball more than Cohen.
USA Today Sports has Henderson going in the third round. They have him going a few spots below where the Bears select at No. 87, having them pick an offensive lineman. Perhaps they go with a running back instead and Henderson could be a great fit.