As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at K.J. Henry.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: K.J. Henry (DE – Clemson)
6’4” – 255 lbs.
Background:
Five-star recruit who appeared in four games as a freshman before redshirting, then rotated into the defense for 349 snaps in 2019, finishing with 23-4.5-2.0 and, per PFF, eight hurries. Had similar sophomore (23-6.0-3.5, eight hurries over 386 snaps) and junior (21-6.5-4.0, thirteen hurries over 341 snaps) before stepping into the starting lineup this year and having his best season (51-9.0-3.5).
Positives:
Solidly-built, long-limbed edge defender who made his senior season his best. Typically lines up in a two-point stance on the left end of the defense. Head-up player who plays with discipline in the run game; doesn’t undermine the integrity of the team’s run fits to create pressure. Does a nice job of locating the ballcarrier. Gets good extension to lock out defenders. Anchor strength is solid, with at least adequate balance. Length gives him a solid tackling radius; flashes some ability to make tackles while engaged. Ability to shed blocks is above-average. Overall flexibility and bend as a pass-rusher is solid. Active with his hands. Shows some ability to set up opposing blockers. Shows a solid motor in pursuit, and above-average closing speed. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes. Able to make drops into coverage, and was asked to do so regularly.
Negatives:
Was never a sack artist at any point in college; fifth-year senior with just one relatively impressive year. Some tendency to get upright out of his stance, rather than firing out low. Minor balance issues when coming off blocks. More flexible than explosive. Pass-rush approach is relatively straightforward; tends to work the bull-rush or try to engage and slip past the outside shoulder. Active with his hands, but doesn’t seem to have a deep repertoire of moves/counters or a clear plan on many passing-down snaps. Doesn’t have much leg drive with his bull-rush, causing him to end up idling around the line.
Summary:
A likable player with the size, length, flexibility, and motor to develop into an effective contributor, but who doesn’t play with the polish expected of a fifth-year senior. Consequently, has the look of a relatively high-upside developmental prospect who will need to develop an arsenal of pass-rush moves and counters in order to succeed against pro linemen at the next level, and draft stock will probably be in large part based on how much more development teams think he’s capable of. Could conceivably fit in either an even or odd front.
Projection: Round 3-4
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