NFL Draft 2016: 5 teams that could use Derrick Henry

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Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) races past Auburn Tigers defenders and scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat the Auburn Tigers 29-13 Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

Even though the Denver Broncos have a pair of decent tailbacks in C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, neither can carry the rock as often or as effectively as many believe Derrick Henry can in the NFL. Denver finished in the middle of the pack in the NFL in terms of rushing yards with 1,718 as a team, good enough for 17th in the NFL.

Denver may need to end up fully embracing head coach Gary Kubiak’s ultra-conservative offense in the coming years, as Peyton Manning is clearly on his last limb and fourth-year pro Brock Osweiler clearly has limitations as a starting quarterback.

The best way to combat this is to emphasize the run with a strong north/south game. Who thrived in an ultra-conservative offense in college and can move the chains with a ground-and-pound style? Henry, of course!

Add in the Mile High factor of playing in Denver and the Broncos could have a real advantage at tailback, if they elect to go with Henry in the 2016 NFL Draft. He would likely be available in the mid-20s where the Broncos would pick and Henry could help add stability to the Denver running game under Kubiak.

With Osweiler under center, it isn’t as imperative for Henry to catch the ball well out of the backfield, as Osweiler is more likely to hand the football off than to throw it. Manning would love having a young and talented tailback as well, even if Henry did play for a rival school of Manning’s in Alabama.

Next: Detroit Lions

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