Willie Henry Still Pondering NFL Decision

Submitted by alum96 on

In between the 84 posbangs will just throw this in as the 2 guys most likely to go early (Butt, Lewis) are returning but Henry is right up there, with a late season surge and certainly the most disruptive guy on the DL in the back half of the year as he finally became much more consistent in Oct/Nov.  He is still up in the air so the final piece to watch for. 

Wouldn't be "devastating" to lose him due to depth on the DL but he along with Wormley seem to do the most work in terms of sacks and TFL so hopefully he comes back because we don't have an established DE type pass rusher type on this line for 2016.  It is one thing to project guys to that status but Henry is already there and these top end teams dominate the trenches as we even saw today with our OL.

I haven't seen him in any mocks yet but considering a player of Clark's ability went in the 2nd round I could not see Henry falling past the 3rd so he could be in that mid to late 2nd to 3rd range just from guessing.  Another step forward in production (and consistency) next year might push him into late 1st however - but he certainly has the "measurables" teams yearn for.  Not bad for the lowest rated recruit in the 2012 class.

 

Willie Henry applied for the NFL advisory board. Isn't sure yet if he'll be back.

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 1, 2016

Erik_in_Dayton

January 1st, 2016 at 5:46 PM ^

He's dominant at times. I'm sure he'd be drafted by at least the middle rounds. Selfishly, I'd love to see him back, but I don't know his family's financial situation. Glenville kids often come from tough places.

alum96

January 1st, 2016 at 6:05 PM ^

I think he wouldn't last past the 3rd.  Clark had less production and all sorts of character issues (but probably better athleticism) and didnt make it to the 3rd.  He is becoming quite productive and has position flexibility btw DT and DE - question for him will be motor which until 2nd half of this year was not consistent.

The other question is what is his ceiling - i.e. how much higher can you go if you come back another year.  He doesn't have top 15 type athleticism so that is why I think a breakout year might get him late 1st which is sort of where Calhoun types will land.

I think he has enough upside and talent he would nto be a 4th 5th round type.  Look at the type of projects the Lions get in those rounds (yes it is the Lions but you get the idea ... you going to take Devin Taylor, Cauron Reid, or Willie Henry first?)

And I am not being a homer on this; I don't think Lewis will be 1st rounder next year either due to athletic upside which NFL execs fall in love with.  Henry seems like a perfect type guy you take in the 3rd.... not the rip your eyes out measurables but certainly becoming a prolific producer at NCAA level.

TrueBlue2003

January 1st, 2016 at 6:21 PM ^

He'd probably be a third round pick which is about a 600k payday for next year. Even if he's a 4th or 5th rounder, he's probably making 500k next year. That could matter a whooooole lot for him and his family.  Would be great to get him back, but if he leaves, can't blame a guy for wanting to earn a living.

Mr. Yost

January 1st, 2016 at 6:43 PM ^

But in terms of importance, I'd actually say Ojemudia is more important just because of the position he plays.

When you think about Glasgow and Mone coming back and then adding a certain 5* recruit...sure Henry is a beast, but how does this sound?

NG: Glasgow

---Mone

DT: Hurst

---???? :-)

SDE: Wormley

---Charlton

I'll take the 2 deep with those 6 players and STILL dominate.

That said, Mario isn't coming back and Henry IS a BEAST. My fingers are crossed that he comes back for one more year.

Blue boy johnson

January 1st, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^

Henry is gone.
I don't see any advantage in staying. I don't see him getting much better.
Lewis should go too.
I think Butt and Wormley made the correct decision in staying.

reshp1

January 1st, 2016 at 5:54 PM ^

I think another year would be the smart choice for him. You turn down some guaranteed money and risk injury, but next year's line is going to be ridiculous. There are going to be lots of opportunities to show really well to scouts next year as offenses will have to pick their poison. If Michigan's offense continues to improve, Michigan is going to be in the national spotlight all season.

s1105615

January 1st, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^

If he can get paid he should go...more important things than one more year where he can get injured and lose it all on one play. Best of luck to him either way. Go Blue

buddhafrog

January 1st, 2016 at 5:56 PM ^

Gary, come on down!

1/2 in jest. I hope Henry stays - he was fantastic in the last many games. But like you mentioned, our DL is deep, and if Gary commits, he'll take those snaps as well.

Rodriguesqe

January 1st, 2016 at 5:58 PM ^

Did he graduate? Seems like he's set himself up well and can't go wrong but I hope he's on track to get his degree.