Every NFL team’s most underrated offensive weapon entering 2020

Los Angeles Rams: Darrell Henderson

Darrell Henderson was given extraordinary expectations after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL draft. Given rumors were wildly circulating regarding the long-term health of Todd Gurley and the severity of his knee arthritis, many believed Henderson would see a substantial role in 2019.

Unfortunately for his proponents, he barely saw the field. Henderson rushed the ball 39 times for 147 yards and accumulated four catches for 37 yards last season. Malcolm Brown ended up being the main backup to Gurley, as he saw nearly twice as many carries as Henderson. Nonetheless, Henderson presented more reception upside and explosiveness than his counterpart, despite the limited role.

With more rumors circulating once again that Gurley could be on the trade block this offseason, I am inclined to believe that Henderson could see a larger role in 2020. Whether Gurley stays or goes, Henderson’s shiftiness and athletic profile should garner him more touches next season. After all, Henderson was able to evade 19 tackles on his 43 touches and juked out defenders 44.2 percent of the time.

Henderson is a solid change of pace option that should be more heavily incorporated into the Rams’ gameplan in 2020. While many pundits will claim Henderson is a bust because he could not steal playing time from Gurley or Brown, I’m inclined to believe Sean McVay gave Henderson a red-shirt year to familiarize himself with the complicated scheme; he should be more involved in his sophomore season and provide a spark to the Rams’ 26th ranked rushing attack.