After trading up to draft Darrell Henderson, Rams HC Sean McVay and GM Les Snead labeled the explosive rookie a mere “change of pace back.” Yet, just how often the team intends to shift gears remains up in the air and, based on Snead’s latest comments, may be more often than expected. In pre-draft video, McVay and Snead both clearly coveted Henderson, with the GM going so far to compare the Memphis monster to Alvin Kamara: “The Memphis guy does give you a Kamara element. I won’t get off of that, won’t say it, we’ll play against him and you’ll feel it,” Snead said.
Kamara, of course, has gone from “change of pace” to offensive centerpiece in short order. Now, Henderson would be hard pressed to replicate Kamara’s NFL success, especially behind a monster in Gurley. Still, the comparables aren’t without warrant. Similarly explosive both upfield and laterally with a low, strong center of gravity, Henderson racked up an insane 1,909 yards on only 214 carries. He owns the FBS record with 8.23 yards per carry, and accumulated the most plays of 40 (14) and 50 (12) plus yards. Both runners feature a slashing, instinctively finding space and stringing together moves with ease.
As such, Henderson could be a monster in a scheme that feeds RBs and masterfully generates opportunities in space. He already owns one of the most valuable “Handcuff” gigs, but this high-praise from both the coach and GM suggest this may be more of a “Handcuff with Benefits” situation. This is especially true with Gurley currently plagued with arthritis in his knee and unlikely to work much this preseason.
Snead has said all along the team needs a “Robin” to Gurley’s “Batman.” Based on these gushing reviews, Henderson could be a closer equal than the caped-crusaders sidekick ever hoped to be. He’s among fantasy’s most valuable “Penny Stocks” beyond Round 9.
