Strengths: Is quick, aggressive and can make plays in the backfield. Moves well laterally and does a nice job of scraping down the line of scrimmage. Takes adequate pursuit angles and has sideline-to-sideline range. Plays with a good motor and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Plays under control in space, wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler that can deliver the big hit. Changes directions well and has experience lining up over slot receivers. Gets adequate depth, shows good awareness and covers a lot of ground when asked to drop into zone coverage. Has average ball skills and flashes the ability to make plays in coverage. Plays with a mean streak and times hits well when receivers try to cross his face. Takes the shortest path to the quarterback and shows good closing speed when asked to blitz. Has long arms and gets hands up in passing windows.
Weaknesses: Has adequate bulk but plays too high, hasn't shown great lower body strength and can get driven back. Avoids blockers rather than stacking them up and gets caught out of position at times. Doesn't explode out of cuts, takes too long to open hips when forced to turn and run and is more effective dropping into zone coverage than is matching up in man coverage. Bends at the waist more than the knees and is step slowing getting out of backpedal. Hasn't developed pass rush moves, doesn't run through blockers in the backfield and needs to win with first step to be effective rushing the passer. Missed the entire 2005 season after tearing the anterior the cruciate ligament in his left knee during fall camp and durability is a concern.
Overall: Maryland red-shirted Henderson during his true freshman season in 2004 and he missed the entire 2005 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during fall camp. Henderson started 12 of the 13 games he appeared in during the 2006 season finishing with 114 total tackles including 54 unassisted tackles and 6.5 tackles-for-loss. He also recorded two interceptions, three forced fumbles, one sack and two pass breakups. Henderson started all 12 games of the 2007 season finishing with 133 total tackles including 59 unassisted tackles and 11 tackles-for-loss. He also recorded one interception, one sack, one forced fumble, four fumble recoveries and two pass breakups. Henderson isn't very stout at the point of attack and he lacks ideal man coverage skills but there's a lot to like about his range both as a run defender and in coverage. He projects as a second or third round pick.
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