New Orleans Saints: Derrick Henry Strong Fit In Sean Payton's Offense In 2016 NFL Draft

Feb 19, 2016 01:16 PM EST
Alabama running back Derrick Henry
Alabama running back Derrick Henry could make a strong fit in the New Orleans Saints' backfield."

The New Orleans Saints finished the 2015 regular season with 7-9 record for the second consecutive year, and general manager Mickey Loomis has already made some moves this offseason to help rebuild the Saints into a contender in 2016. They have plenty of issues to fix this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but changes could be coming at the running back position in New Orleans, as running back Mark Ingram is likely the only running back safe to return next season.

The Saints are projected to select a defensive player by most draft analysts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but one player to keep an eye on in the upcoming draft is Alabama running back Derrick Henry. The Heisman Trophy winner could be a solid fit in the Saints backfield, and at least one college scouting director thinks he could make a good fit in Sean Payton's offense, according to Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports.

There are some concerns with teams over the workload Henry saw at Alabama this past season, as he joined a list of just 15 players to have over 400 touches in one season in college. But, while some are concerned with the workload, others see a powerhouse running back that only gets stronger late in games.

Henry rushed for 2,219 yards and scored 28 touchdowns his junior season with the Crimson Tide, but will need to work on catching passes out of the backfield at the next level. It's unknown how long the talented cowbell running back will be on the board in the 2016 NFL Draft, but Henry has stated that he is looking to prove he is a first round prospect at the NFL combine.

New Orleans is expected to select a defensive player, particularly a defensive lineman, in the first round of the draft, but Henry could be a potential target for its second round pick at 47. It seems unlikely that Henry will slip that far down, but the Saints could look to target Henry or possibly another running back, as they have many questions still surrounding the future of their backfield.

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