Derrick Henry, big and bad, is one of the most intimidating forces in football today. He is still an outlier among the fantasy football elite. As he approaches his 31st birthday, there are mixed sentiments about his draft value in the upcoming fantasy football season. Experts such as Daniel Dopp encourage fantasy managers to monitor Henry closely in early drafts. They point to his steady track record over the years as the main reason to hire him.
Sure, Henry wasn’t as present in the passing attack last year, but his rushing yards even trended down. Nonetheless, his couture historical stats combined with his amazing powerful physical presence make him one of the most exciting picks for any fantasy teams. Henry has a killer average draft position (ADP) and is still one of the very best fade opportunities. He’s produced in fantasy, finishing as a top 10 running back five of the last six seasons with double-digit touchdowns each of those seasons.
A Closer Look at Derrick Henry’s Performance
Derrick Henry’s number tell a fuller story of what he can do. Last year, he averaged 84 fewer rushing yards per game than his career year at Alabama. He underperformed by 16.9 PPR fantasy points from his historical averages. This sharp drop-off begs the question of whether he can ever be effective again as a true, top-tier NFL running back. In the face of these horrid statistics, he has remained in power. Even still, he’s somehow still ranked in the top-9 among all running backs in fantasy leagues.
Henry’s distinct running style, with his strong and muscular frame, allows him to break away for large chunks of yards. We’ve seen how his physicality allows him to break tackles and punch through defensive lines. This decisive mindset and ability to pivot has been the lifeblood of his success throughout the years. With all that information in mind, fantasy managers need to focus on performance indicators. They have to deal with Henry’s laudable overall record on track safety.
Aside from his personal accolades, Henry enjoyed a productive 2024 season as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. Coming off his transition from the Tennessee Titans, he showed that you can be successful in different places. His versatility is why he’s such an attractive fantasy RB1. He does what he always does, which is to show resilience and elite performance, regardless of upheaval in the roster around him.
The Age Factor and Comparisons with Peers
At 31, Henry is at the age where most running backs start to regress. He’s never been one to play it by the book over the course of his career. Today’s world of fantasy football includes future legends like Saquon Barkley. He recently achieved an amazing feat, becoming the first player in history to rush over 2,000 yards in one season! Barkley, in particular, has drawn almost as much media attention as the candidates themselves. Let’s not forget Henry’s much better overall historical performance, despite being three years older.
If there is enough skepticism about Henry’s age, his ADP could be affected. If history is any indicator, he still has the ability to play at an elite level left in him. Figure this in with the age-old caveat of fantasy managers wondering just how many seasons a player can meet expectations before they’re once more fully trusted. Henry has obviously gone well above that line. His years of affording a ton of scoring and yardage production clinch his credibility as a trustworthy selection.
While younger players may offer fresh potential, Henry’s established performance offers a sense of reliability that can be invaluable in a fantasy lineup. He is known for his double-digit touchdowns every year. This ridiculous talent increases his worth as an RB1 leading into the draft.
Understanding Draft Strategies with Derrick Henry
For those playing fantasy football this season, knowing the ins and outs of picking Derrick Henry could make all the difference. Cunningham’s colleague, Daniel Dopp, echoed that sentiment while highlighting the need to keep Henry on your mind when constructing a roster early in a draft. His high ADP value is a reflection of his past and what people think of it. They share expectations that like last year, he’ll deliver once again this season.
Management will have to consider the dangers that come with Henry’s age with his track record of success. While some might prefer younger prospects with potential upside, those who overlook Henry may miss out on a player who has consistently demonstrated excellence on the field. His ability to rush for large yardage totals makes him an enticing option for those seeking a strong running back.
On top of that, fantasy managers need to think about their entire team makeup when drafting Henry. Finding the right mix of veterans and youth helps provide a roster filled with depth of players able to make a championship run. Based on Henry’s history and past performance indicators, Henry can be a cornerstone player on any fantasy roster.
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