2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jack Henderson, NB/OLB, Minnesota
Player Data
Name, Jersey # | Jack Henderson, #20 |
School (Code) | MNUN |
DOB, Class Yr | N/A, Fourth-Year Senior. |
Height, Weight | 6030, 210 |
40 Yd Dash | N/A |
Position/Depth | NB, #1 |
Honors/Captainship | All-Southland Conference First Team (2022); All-Southland Conference Honorable Mention (2021); All-Southland Conference Third Team (2020) |
Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 (@LASE), 2023 (@MNUN) |
Games Watched | LASW, @ILNW, @NCUN, @ALSM (2022) |
Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 10/18/23 |
Per Year Stats
2023 | 6 GP, 32 Tkls, 3.0 TFL, 1.0 Sk, 2 INT, 1 PBU |
2022 | 13 GP (13 GS), 90 Tkls, 7.0 TFL, 2.0 Sks, 2 INT, 2 FF, 6 PBU |
2021 | 13 GP (13 GS), 51 Tkls, 2.5 TFL, 2 INT, 5 PBU |
2020 | 7 GP (2 GS), 22 Tkls, 2.5 TFL, 2 INT, 2 PBU |
Player Summary:
6’3, 210-pound senior who serves as the primary Nickel in Minnesota’s 4-2-5 packages. He played three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana, establishing himself as a three-time All-Southland Conference performer during his time with the Lions. Entered the transfer portal following the 2022 season. Lines up at the NB and SAM spots on the majority of snaps but also sees time at Free Safety. Possesses valuable position versatility, high FBI, and a well-rounded skill set to compete for playing time at multiple positions across the back seven. Exhibits high-level toughness, competitiveness, and contact courage as a run defender in the box and off the edge. Takes on blocks with strong hands, great leverage/pad level, and substantial physicality despite having a slender, athletic build. Willing to set the edge as the strong-side outside contain defender and holds his own with proficient play strength & a sturdy lower half. Flashes a quick trigger and quality acceleration & burst-to-close when coming downhill in run support. Operates with solid instincts, read-and-react ability, and motor to pursue the ball from sideline to sideline. Appears confident blitzing through the interior or off the edge. Boasts dependable tackling ability behind the LOS and in the open field. Exhibits excellent zone coverage ability and noteworthy ball skills. Displays a keen understanding of his responsibilities as a hook/curl-to-flats defender. Sharp spatial awareness enables him to maintain eye contact on the quarterback while dropping into coverage. Offers secure hands-catching ability and consistently plays through the hands at the catch point. Has some hip stiffness that negatively impacts his ability to open his hips in bump-and-run coverage. His sufficient play speed and range create some concern about his man coverage upside against quicker, more athletic receivers in the slot. Could serve as an asset on special teams early at the next level.
Scheme Fit:
Big Nickel in a 4-2-5 defense.
Power Statement:
Henderson is a physical, athletic defensive back whose position versatility, zone coverage ability, and proficiency as a run defender should help him carve out a niche as a Big Nickel. Could transition to the OLB position if he adds 20-25 pounds of mass to his frame.