Seantrel Henderson still working to realize potential at Senior Bowl

MOBILE, Ala. -- They look as if they walked straight out of the dreams of NFL scouts and onto the field at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Want an offensive tackle? How about a 6-foot-7, 331-pounder with low body fat, nimble feet and fluid hips? Need a quarterback? How about a 6-6, 250-pounder who can outrun a linebacker with an arm that appears capable of reaching the moon on a rope?

These must be obvious first-rounders. Right? No? Second-rounders? No? In fact, the draft positions of Miami offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson and Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas are quite difficult to project. The first round is probably out of the question at this point. How far will they fall? That will depend how much teams rely on the eyeball test and how much they rely on college tape. For Henderson and Thomas, the former should help them immensely. Each player looks like the ideal for his position. Even among other elite players at the Senior Bowl, these two stand out from the moment they step off the bus to go to practice. Every measurable is close to perfect. The latter will haunt them. Henderson and Thomas represent the inverse of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, an undersized, injured prospect who on Monday seemed perfectly comfortable when he said "[NFL teams] have four years of film on me." Teams have four years of film on Henderson and Thomas as well, and it's as big of a problem for them as it is a help to Murray.

Henderson came to Miami -- after originally signing with USC -- ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 1 offensive line recruit and No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2010. He seemed a can't-miss prospect who might dominate at The U the way left tackle Bryant McKinnie did at the turn of the century. Playing mostly at right tackle, Henderson started only 26 games and never developed into the player he projected to be coming out of high school. Injuries, a 2012 car crash and suspensions -- Henderson told The Miami Herald this week they were for marijuana use -- held back Henderson during his time in Coral Gables.

Judging by their performances at practices for the Senior Bowl, the two have taken different approaches. Henderson hasn't shown much improvement. Thomas, however, has shown a willingness to work on the issues that plagued him throughout his college career. On Wednesday, Henderson offered little punch -- the act of firing one's arms into the chest of a pass-rusher to slow or stop his progress -- while getting blown past by rushers Marcus Smith (Louisville) and Kareem Martin (North Carolina). Yet Henderson's feet still appeared nimble for a man of his size, and it was easy to see how a coach might feel he could turn Henderson into a serviceable (or better) NFL tackle with some instruction. The problem? There are players who lack the physical gifts but make up for them in technique who are more ready to play right away.


(cnnsi.com)