The Kansas City Chiefs are casting a wide net in order to find more help in the backfield, landing several undrafted free agents including one coming off a 2,100-yard college career.
The team invited running back Al-Jay Henderson, who just concluded a productive career with the Buffalo Bulls, to their rookie minicamp. He joins a slew of other running backs that the team signed in the days after the NFL draft came to an end this weekend.
Al-Jay Henderson’s Strong College Career
Henderson had a late-career surge in college. Henderson rushed for 2,134 yards with 19 touchdowns over his five-year collegiate career, adding 50 receptions for 464 yards. Most of his production — more than 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with nearly al of his receiving yards — came in the last two seasons.
NFL.com expert Lance Zierlein called Henderson a practice squad candidate, but noted that he has some good qualities as a running back.
“Henderson is a skilled and instinctive runner with good size, but he might lack the explosiveness to reach his full potential,” Zierlein wrote. “His excellent vision, footwork and play strength make him effective inside. He has a rare feel for space in the open field, helping him evade tacklers. He could struggle on wide runs, though, as his lack of burst is likely to condense the field for him. He’s a poor pass-catcher but a tough pass protector who can contribute on kick coverage. Henderson will require the right scheme fit to become a contributor in the pros.”
Chiefs Adding to Backfield After NFL Draft
The Chiefs made a big investment in their backfield early this offseason, signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III as their lead running back. The Chiefs also drafted Nebraska ball-carrier Emmett Johnson in the fifth round, then continued to fill out the depth chart since the NFL draft ended, signing several backs who will now compete for roster spots.
The new additions include undrafted rookie running backs Terion Stewart, Jaydn Ott and E.J. Smith.
NFL draft expert Dane Brugler noted that Ott is a unique case, one who peaked early in college before dropping off in his final two seasons.
“Ott is a perplexing evaluation, because his underclassman tape shows an NFL player, but his junior and senior seasons can’t be ignored,” Brugler wrote.
“A muscled-up athlete, [Ott] is a pick-and-slide runner and has explosive acceleration to create big plays once he finds a clear rush track. He doesn’t have an ideal frame for between-the-tackles work and can be dinged up.”
The new additions to the backfield in Day 3 of the NFL draft and beyond will likely compete for spots at the bottom of the depth chart or the practice squad after the team’s big investment in Walker. But those roles could prove important, as Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport noted that Walker has missed some significant time in recent years.
“Throughout his four-year career, Walker has struggled with nagging injuries,” Davenport wrote. “Last year was the first time he played in all 17 games. While the 2022 second-round pick has posted two 1,000-yard seasons, he has never had 230 carries in a season. He has also never played 600 snaps in a season. Walker is being paid like a bell-cow running back. But to date, he hasn’t shown that he can actually be one.”
Chiefs Invite 2,100-Yard Rookie RB to Minicamp