A quick look at the value and sleeper potential of Denver Broncos running back De'Angelo Henderson in
leagues.
Overview:
Rookie sixth-round pick from Coastal Carolina who is pushing a veteran Broncos backfield for touches.
Background:
Was the No. 203 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft coming from a small school and with a short stature at 5-7 and 208 pounds. ... he's short, not small, and does have a frame capable of taking an NFL pounding. ... he ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. ... feet are perhaps his biggest strength, and they allow him to accelerate quickly and make creative cuts. ... the same skills are on display as a receiver, where he also shows soft hands and the ability to make an impact in that part of the Broncos' attack. ... he's the least known name on a Broncos depth chart that also features C.J. Anderson, Jamaal Charles and Devontae Booker. ... he's shined in two preseason contests so far, including a 41-yard touchdown run and several impact plays as a receiver.
2016 stats (college):
183 rush, 1,195 yards, 16 TDs; 20 rec., 190 yards, 2 TDs
Stats and trends:
Henderson has carried 13 times for 84 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards in two preseason contests. ... Booker injured his wrist in late July but could return to the lineup by Week 1, a storyline that is worth watching the rest of training camp. ... Anderson projects as the team's starter, but the Broncos are far from committed to him as a three-down back. ... this is likely to be a committee early, but where all three other backs come with big question marks about their durability and/or effectiveness. ... Henderson has played as well in the preseason as he's practiced, which is significant to coach Vance Joseph and his staff. ... Henderson logged three 1,000-yard seasons at Coastal Carolina and showed his receiving chops by hauling in 40 passes for 403 yards and three scores as a junior in 2015. ... in addition to a couple nice receiving plays this preseason, he also had a 9-yard touchdown reception called back due to a penalty.
Strengths:
The door is wide open for Henderson in a Broncos offense that figures to skew even more toward the run with Trevor Siemian again the team's likely starting quarterback. ... Anderson and Booker have been in an out of favor with the previous coaching staff, while Charles comes off a 2016 season in which he had knee surgery twice. ... Henderson has three-down potential with power, elusiveness and receiving ability, and he's impressed the Broncos coaching staff in both games and practice. ... even if he's not a Week 1 starter, the path to touches is easy to see.
Risk factors:
Henderson is earning his spot on the roster and could open the season as the Broncos' No. 2 running back, but little is guaranteed beyond that point. ... Anderson is the highest paid player in the group, and Booker has flashed his potential when healthy. ... this has all the makings of a running back committee, where no player has a shot at RB1 status. ... Henderson is a legitimate sleeper with a high ceiling, but he needs at least one break in order to get the workload of an RB2.
Verdict:
Henderson is buzzing big-time this preseason, and for good reason. He was a draft steal for the Broncos, and he could be in fantasy, too. He is a stash candidate on fantasy benches who likely won't have a big role in Week 1, but could grow into one sooner than later. His skill set and fantasy upside are for real.