Re-grading the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft class after one season
By James Dudko
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
- Defensive End | Clemson Tigers
- No. 137 overall
Finding value from late-round defensive linemen was one of the few things Ron Rivera got right during his Washington Commanders tenure. K.J. Henry's name belongs alongside 2020 seventh-rounder James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill.
Henry couldn't match Toohill's five sacks, but last year's fifth-round pick did log 1.5 quarterback takedowns. He also batted down a pair of passes, secured four tackles for loss and two more quarterback hits. Not bad for someone who was seen as a development project coming out of Clemson.
Those aren't eye-popping statistics, but they are evidence of Henry's ability to make splash plays behind the line of scrimmage at the pro level. The former Tiger should have a future as a rotational pass-rusher along a defensive front that still needs a major retool after Chase Young and Montez Sweat were traded.
Whether Henry can develop into a productive starter is anyone's guess. Much will depend on how he progresses during the offseason and how the new Commanders regime perceive his potential.
Draft Grade: B