2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Matt Henningsen
- Position: Interior Defensive Line
- School: Wisconsin
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 290lbs
Film Watched: Michigan 2021, Northwestern 2021, Rutgers 2021
Pro's:
- Excellent core strength. Has all the sand in his pants necessary to absorb contact & set the edge
- Brutal hand strength. Blockers have noticeable recoil regardless of speed and power they bring to contact
- Employs good pad height that gives the leverage to complement his play strength
- Long arms give him a huge tackle radius
- Length keeps him free of engagement unless it’s his doing
- Insatiable work ethic that looks to make an impact on every single play
- Scheme versatile – able to play as a 5-tech in a 3-4 and kick inside on a four man front
- Recorded elite agility numbers for his size at his pro day
Matt Henningsen is a DT prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.3 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 97 out of 1378 DT from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/4mtlIYPCFL #RAS pic.twitter.com/bpfPw4BBYK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 25, 2022
Con's:
- Restrictive burst off the line of scrimmage. Late to the party and needs to work overtime to compensate
- Doesn’t have the natural speed to challenge the outside as a true pass rusher
- Evidence on tape of being deceived by misdirection
- Hand accuracy inconsistent, & struggles to work to the edges of blockers pads
- Pass rush combo moves a work in progress
The Verdict:
“As a late round prospect there’s a hell of a lot to like about Matt Henningsen. A team leader and high effort, high character prospect, Henningsen gives his all on every down regardless of role he is tasked with or the position he aligns. His tape suggests a little stiffness that his pro day completely contradicted, and no doubt scouts will be double checking their notes, but if he can move like that with the play strength he possesses, he can be an extremely effective edge setter and pocket pusher at the next level. Some more nuance regarding his pass rush will be needed to see Henningsen stay on the field all three downs, and he has the air of a pocket disruptor rather than a pocket penetrator. But his draft stock is on the rise, and he’ll likely be regarded as an early day three pick.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: TAVEN BRYAN
PREDICTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
5/5