LaDarius Henderson, OT, Michigan
Size:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 309 pounds
Arm Length: 35”
Hand Size: 10 5/8’’
Accomplishments:
Coaches First Team All-Big Ten (2023)
“LaDarius Henderson is an alignment-versatile prospect with the experience and downhill strength to challenge for snaps.”
Strengths:
Quick feet
Good leverage in run game
Lateral agility
Strong upper half
Concerns:
Plays over feet
Counters vs. speed
Film Analysis:
LaDarius Henderson is tackle/guard versatile with more than 1,100 snaps on the left side of the line. He earned All-Big Ten honors at Michigan in 2023 after transferring from Arizona State.
As a run blocker, Henderson’s path to success remains in a downhill, power type of scheme where his short-area explosion and quick hands can win inside a phone booth. He fires out of his stance but his technique to approach blocks with refinement lacks. Will play over his feet and attempt to throw his body at opposing defenders instead of engaging hands and driving legs (Penn State). This leads to occasional whiffs at the line of scrimmage. Refinement when asked to climb to the second level needs work, as well. Has a tough time with punch timing and establishing leverage against more experienced, quicker second-level run defenders. Is a latcher, not a mover. His athletic profile remains average at this point in his evaluation.
In pass pro, Henderson showcases quick feet to get out of his stance and a wide base to anchor but does not have the kick-slide to stay with twitchier rushers to the outside shoulder. Not the most fluid athlete but has the necessary technique to keep pass rushers within his frame most of the time. Hands need work. Will often grab outside the shoulder pads instead of attacking and latching inside the chest plate. Will often allow opponents to get inside of his frame and establish leverage, also.
Concerns remain about his fundamental strength, athletic profile, and technique. Quicker and more nuanced pass rushers could give him issues early at the next level. He looks most comfortable with bumpers to either shoulder where his short-area pop and quick anchor could serve him well at guard.
Overall, Henderson’s alignment versatility and success in 2023 (two sacks allowed) will intrigue teams. However, he remains a ball of clay at the position whose immediate path to snaps could come at guard at the NFL level due to his short-area quickness and filled-out frame.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific
Exposures: Penn State (2023), Iowa (2023), Washington (2023), Utah (2022)
