Carlos Henderson making big plays at Broncos training camp
Denver Broncos third round pick Carlos Henderson struggled early, but things are slowing down and he’s making some big plays at camp…
Early on in training camp, it was rookie Isaiah McKenzie, a fifth round pick out of Georgia, who was making big plays, turning heads, and opening eyes. McKenzie hasn’t necessarily slowed down, but fellow 2017 rookie classmate Carlos Henderson was struggling early on, and has since picked up the pace.
When the Broncos put pads on over the weekend, the game literally changed for Henderson.
Head coach Vance Joseph attributed Henderson’s early struggles to not quite being ready for the pace of play in the NFL:
"“He is finally getting into NFL shape. He wasn’t in great shape in the spring and early on in training camp, but you can finally see the guy getting in great shape. He’s figuring out what to do. That’s also important for a rookie. He can make plays fast. He’s a big, strong, guy with the ball in his hands. He’s a very, very engaged player. He loves to play the game. We’re excited about Carlos.”– Vance Joseph (quotes obtained via Broncos PR)"
Joseph’s candor has been refreshing, and for him to reveal that about Henderson makes a lot of sense.
At any rate, Henderson’s play has shifted into what we saw in highlights from his career at Louisiana Tech. Big plays, big plays, and more big plays.
Henderson had three touchdown plays at Broncos camp on Thursday, and drew a very nice review from his head coach, his position coach Tyke Tolbert, and as you see in the video above, he made Steve Atwater’s practice ‘A-List’.
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Not only was Henderson making big plays on Thursday, he’s been impressing since the pads came on on Sunday.
The Broncos have high hopes for Henderson, the first offensive skill player they drafted this year. He was good for nearly 20 yards per play this past season at Louisiana Tech, whether as a kick returner, wide receiver, or running back.
Henderson’s background as a high school running back provides context for his ability in the open field, but what makes him so dangerous is not only his ability to break tackles, it’s also his ability to blow past people and beat you deep downfield.
This is a young player who should have been expected to struggle early, and he did. The fact that he’s responded in such a big way is a great encouragement, and the Broncos have on their hands a potential rookie of the year candidate with the number of ways Henderson is going to be able to contribute.