De'Angelo

Henderson Sr.

It’s Henderson’s first reported visit since the Vikings let him go at final cuts. The 2017 sixth-rounder spent last year in a Jets uniform but never logged a snap for them. In Indianapolis, he’d function as backfield depth behind starter Marlon Mack and preferred passing-down back Nyheim Hines.

The Vikings are content with Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison as the top two options, and Henderson was outplayed by preseason star Mike Boone. Henderson is likely destined for a practice squad.

The Vikings had an open spot after releasing Roc Thomas. Henderson was buried on the Jets’ depth chart, but he should get a chance at a third-string role in Minnesota.

This isn’t a surprise on what was a crowded depth chart. Henderson stole some OTA reps from Elijah McGuire, but the Jets will go into training camp with McGuire, Ty Montgomery, Trenton Cannon, and Bilal Powell behind Le’Veon Bell. Still just 26, Henderson should draw some interest on waivers.

There is a battle between Henderson, McGuire, and Trenton Cannon for the assumed fourth active running back spot. McGuire and Cannon were both drafted by the Jets, Henderson wasn’t, but the new coaching staff isn’t likely to play favorites. The trio of backs will be battling it out in training camp and in the preseason. All three are names to keep in the back of your mind for preseason DFS but are obviously way off the re-draft radar.

Henderson was an exclusive rights free agent, so he had no choice but to sign the tender the Jets offered. A hyped sixth-round pick by the Broncos in 2017, Henderson was forced out of Denver by the selection of Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay’s surprise rise up the depth chart. He appeared in just three games for the Jets last season. He will be competing for a spot at the bottom of the roster this offseason.

That clears a roster spot for Elijah McGuire, who was just activated from injured reserve. Henderson logged seven carries for Denver last season but has yet to see the field in 2018.

Henderson was a hyped sixth-rounder last year that didn’t show much in limited chances with Denver. He gives the Jets some depth with Bilal Powell out for the year. Henderson slots in as the No. 3 back behind Isaiah Crowell and Trenton Cannon.

Henderson (5’8/208) graduated as Coastal Carolina’s all-time leader in carries (721), rushing yards (4,635), rushing TDs (58), and yards per carry (6.43), adding 97 career receptions as a 39-game starter. Henderson helped himself in Indy, running 4.48 with a 10-foot broad jump and pumping 20 reps on the bench. Likened to Chargers RB Branden Oliver by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Henderson is an intriguing small-school prospect who checks boxes for production and athleticism and runs with aggressive competitiveness between the tackles. He’s a deep NFL sleeper.

Henderson had a fine career at small-school Coastal Carolina and followed with a strong Combine to help put himself on the map. As a rookie, he’ll likely have to play special teams, be a game-day inactive, or go to the taxi squad behind C.J. Anderson, Jamaal Charles, and Devontae Booker.