Potential draft target: Running back Derrick Henry

After mixed results from first round running backs, the Texans could benefit from teams worried about taking a player like Derrick Henry too early

The Houston Texans have been very spoiled at running back over the years because of how great Arian Foster has been. Over the past couple of seasons, they have had to get a glimpse of life without Foster, and it hasn’t been pretty as far as the running game is concerned.

In 2015 the Texans only had their franchise leading rusher for four games. In his absence, Alfred Blue got the majority of the carries and for the second season in a row, he disappointed.

Although Blue seems to be a fan and coach favorite, he simply hasn’t been an effective every-down back.

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In his extended playing time in 2014 and 2015, Blue now has 1,226 yards rushing on 352 carries with just four touchdowns. While the yardage isn’t bad, his per carry average of 3.5 yards in his career is. He showed improvement in 2015 by getting his average up to 3.8 yards per carry (from 3.1) but he doesn’t scare defenses with his low average.

So with Foster’s health in question, and Blue not making defenses pay, should the team look at a running back early in the 2016 NFL Draft?

While a first round choice isn’t likely here, what about if Alabama stud running back and Heisman Trophy winner, Derrick Henry, lasts until the second round?

Laugh if you want, but no running backs were taken in the first round of the 2013 or 2014 drafts, and only Todd Gurley from Georgia and Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin were taken this season. Gurley was beyond impressive, but Gordon wasn’t spectacular as he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.

Could the struggles of Gordon lead to less teams being willing to take a running back early? If so, look for a return to the years prior to 2015 when top runners lasted until round two.

If Henry is there, the Texans should pounce. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Henry is an absolute bruiser who wears teams down. What many people don’t know, is he is deceptively fast, especially given his size. To prove he has great break away speed to go with his size, Henry started the College National Championship game off right, with his fifth rushing touchdown of 50-yards or more.

Coming into the title game, the Heisman winner had 2,061 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns on the ground. With just 11 receptions and a lack of dominance in run blocking there are questions about him at the next level. The biggest concern seems to be his upright style of running, which is reminiscent of DeMarco Murray of the Philadelphia Eagles, who has put together a great career, but has had serious fumbling issues.

Of course, no player is perfect, but Henry has the tools to be a star in the NFL. Houston would be a great place for him to be that star as they can return to a ground and pound style of offense as they (hopefully) break in a new young quarterback.