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10 Sleeper Defensive Linemen Bears Could Target In The NFL Draft

By Johnny Hatelak

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Willie Henry-Michigan-DT

Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

Willie Henry is a bit of a late riser in this draft. Not very talked about by NFL draftnik types as he’s not as flashy as he is effective. Henry decided to forgo his senior season to declare as an underclassmen so Bears can get an extra year out of him and maybe give them more incentive to draft him day 3 to develop. Henry was an honorable mention All big ten player and tied for team lead in sacks during the 05′ season.

MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:

Athletically Henry tested out as an average player at his position, but looks like he can actually get better with a more disciplined fitness routine as he has a lot of soft flesh on him. His combine number were a direct match in every category as his pro day. Never saw that before. Check it out here.

SCOUTING REPORT:

 Positives: Henry has huge hands and long arms and knows how to use them well. Very heavy handed which he uses to give blockers a jolt and and has them on a sled after that as he attacks with low pad level getting leverage and driving his opponent backwards. Plays with high intensity, but stays in control. Has good awareness and is able to see doubles and set ups coming before they’re executed. Great understanding of the stunt and twist game and makes good screens for his teammates as well as running off screens made for him. Once he breaks free has an excellent closing burst to lay a pop on a back and pressure or sack the quarterback. played all over the Wolverines line and offers positional versatility which is huge in Fangio’s scheme.

Negatives: Average athlete. Plays undisciplined and had a bunch of encroachment penalties. Needs to work on a better pass rush game. Not much of a plan and has almost zero counter moves if his initial rush fails. For some unknown reason he likes to turn his shoulders to get skinny and slither in the backfield negating his great length which gives blockers a bigger target to lay their hands on him and control him.

Next: Sleeper Defensive Lineman #3

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