Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft recap: 6th-7th round
6. Matt Henningsen, DL, Wisconsin
The Denver Broncos capped off their nine player draft with a pair of Wisconsin Badgers defenders.
What’s important to note is that the Broncos have a high level of respect for the pro-style defense Jim Leonhard (yes, the foremr NFL safety Jim Leonhard) runs with the Badgers.
What does it matter that the Badgers run a pro-style defense? It means that they ask a lot out of the guys that actually see the field in terms of playing a variety of positions, understanding different responsibilities and playing different coverages.
For defensive lineman Matt Henningsen, the fact that Wisconsin runs a rather complicated style of defense makes it all the more impressive that he was able to crack the starting lineup as a walk-on freshman (albeit, a redshirt freshman in 2018), the first Wisconsin Badgers football player to do that since at least 1990, if not longer.
He got a masters in engineering in five years and managed to crack Bruce Feldman’s annual “freaks” list, proving his elite athleticism.
Henningsen proved his athleticism with rare explosiveness. A 37.5-inch vertical jump for most players is great. For a 295-pound defensive lineman? It’s outrageous.
Matt Henningsen is a DT prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.3 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 97 out of 1378 DT from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/4mtlIYPCFL #RAS pic.twitter.com/bpfPw4BBYK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 25, 2022
Even as a 6th-round pick, do not be surprised to see Henningsen crack the rotation in his rookie season.
7. Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin
Again, the defense Jim Leonhard runs at Wisconsin is highly respected by the Broncos’ scouts and coaches.
Nathaniel Hackett referenced after the draft the fact that he spent some time in Buffalo with Leonhard back in the day, so they are obviously still connected.
Faion Hicks played the cornerback position in Leonhard’s defense and in 15 games over the last two seasons, he has 12 passes broken up.
Denver Broncos have some gems among 13 undrafted free agents
The Denver Broncos may have found some gems among their 2022 undrafted free agent class, which includes 13 new players added to the roster.
Another prospect with tremendous speed, Hicks has the speed, explosiveness, and agility to play inside or outside at the next level.