KJ Henry’s passion for the game is undeniable, especially listening to him talk. But it’s backed up by his performances, which he has never avoided. Henry didn’t opt out of any action, playing his final game against Tennessee in the Orange Bowl and refusing to opt out of the 2023 Senior Bowl. While he didn’t become a starter until his final season and didn’t produce much, Henry had games where he looked unblockable and borderline unstoppable. 

KJ Henry offers a little bit of upside, but I really don’t think its as much as some people think. He could learn to work his hands a little bit better and build out his upper body strength, but outside of that I think that Henry is the player that he is now. 

Need Edge talent outside the 1st?

KJ Henry #Clemson 6’4 255
Former 5 star recruit
Can play play the run/rush the passer well. Heavy Hands.

Spoke to 1 scout who thinks the gap between Murphy+ Henry is less than most think

Check him out @ Senior Bowlpic.twitter.com/Mf7I42gTcR

— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) January 31, 2023

Appeared to suffer a leg injury in the 2021 Cheeze-It Bowl against Iowa State. Suffered a non-contact injury in the 2022 Orange Bowl against Tennessee. Appeared to suffer an injury during the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. 

KJ Henry scouting report

Athletic Ability (45)

Speed/Athleticism: 20 

• Speed (6/7) – Doesn’t look like he’s moving very fast but covers some ground quickly regardless. Excellent closing speed on the quarterback. 
• Lateral Quickness (5.5/7) – Good lateral quickness, moves well. Has a lot of quickness but might dance a little bit too much trying to set up his angle. 
• Body Control (5/6) – Solid body control. 

Burst: 10 

• First Step Quickness (3.5/5) – Doesn’t consistently show that first step explosiveness throughout the game. Seems to get tired at times and slows down. Effort drops too. When it’s on, it’s really good. 
• Explosion (3.5/5) – Relatively explosive. Shows it some on film. 

Power/Strength: 15 

• Upper Body Strength (3.5/6) – Upper body strength is good, not great. Flashes some ability but just isn’t consistent enough. 
• Lower Body Strength (4/6) – Good lower body build. Still has a little bit of room to grow and get stronger, but is relatively explosive and shows a decent first step. 
• Pure Brute Strength (1.5/3) – Not really a pure brute. Won’t dominate with pure strength but can bully his way a little bit. 

Pass Rushing Mechanics (25)

Bend: 10 

• Balance (3/5) – Shows good balance overall, but trying to work around the edge is average. 
• Bend (3.5/5) – Flashes some extraordinary bend. Cant’t consistently dip under blocks effectively. 

Finesse: 15 

• Hand Usage (3/5) – Hand usage isn’t great except when moving extreme laterally. Doesn’t show a lot of ability to shed blocks. Does a great job using his hands to disrupt passing lanes. 
• Hand Strength (3.5/5) – Hand strength is good, not great. Won’t shrug some blockers that he looks like he should. Showed some improvement in this area at the Senior Bowl. 
• Hand Placement (3/5) – Doesn’t place his hands well to win 1v1 reps. 

Defender Ability (26) 

Tackling/Pursuit: 16

• Tackling Ability (4.5/6) – Good tackling ability despite the fact that he doesn’t tend to wrap up. Has the strength to control the tackle with intensity. 
• Space Defending (5)
• Pursuit Angles (4.5/5) – Henry generally takes good angles to the football. Great closing speed. Can sometimes slightly under pursue. 

Motor/Consistency: 10 

• Motor (4.5/5) – Henry generally stays with the play and doesn’t give up. Works well down field to make tackles if needed. 
• Consistent Motor (3.5/5) – Doesn’t consistently play hard. Has games where his effort has faded early in his career.

Overall: (75) – 3rd/4th Round