Ranking every Commanders' 2023 draft pick ahead of rookie minicamp
By Glen Rorie
K.J. Henry - Comanders DE/OLB
The Washington Commanders' defensive end/edge rusher position has serious implications around it. Chase Young just had his fifth-year option declined, Montez Sweat has a contract year coming up, William Bradley-King has underwhelmed so far and Shaka Toney was recently suspended indefinitely.
In a position with a lot of talent in Sweat and Young, there is not a lot of certainty. K.J. Henry’s arrival could play a role in those future contract talks.
The former five-star high school recruit is coming off a strong season with the Clemson Tigers after earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. According to Draft Network's prospect report, Henry is a solid athlete with notable recognition skills.
"Clemson EDGE KJ Henry is a sturdy edge defender who projects to the NFL level as a rotational player and a potential starter in the right situation. There are a number of winning skills that Henry has drawn upon throughout the course of his career that should provide him a direct translation to the pro game after competing at the highest level with the Tigers’ program. "
- The Draft Network report on K.J. Henry
He is somebody to keep an eye on throughout the preparation period. Because considering how well Henry plays now and even during the campaign, he could possibly replace somebody on the Commanders’ depth chart.