NFL Draft Preview: Seantrel Henderson

Brandon Linder is not the only Hurricanes offensive lineman who would hear his named call in this weekend’s NFL Draft.

Senior Seantrel Henderson hopes to join Linder as the latest additions to the long list of Hurricane offensive lineman who had long, successful careers in the NFL.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Otto is the most distinguished lineman to come out of Miami, but the group includes several other exceptional players.

Pro Bowlers Dennis Harrah, Leon Searcy and Chris Myers, Super Bowl champion Bryant McKinnie and standouts Vernon Carey, Orlando Franklin and Eric Winston are just a handful of Hurricanes who have proved themselves in the NFL. Henderson hopes his first step towards joining that illustrious group will happen this weekend.

Henderson started in 26 of 43 games played, earning third team All-ACC honors following the 2013 season.

NFL.com’s Nolan Nawrocki says Henderson is a “Massive, strong-bodied, long-armed specimen with the physical gifts to be a dominant NFL right tackle in a power or slide-protection blocking scheme.”

Nawrocki’s evaluation of the 6-foot-7, 331 pound Henderson highlights the rare combination of size and speed that NFL teams look for in elite talents.

“Looks every bit the part with a rare-sized body that will make offensive line coaches drool — broad-shouldered, big-boned, well-proportioned and thickly built,” Nawrocki said. “Athletic bender. Light-footed kick slide. Is a day trip to get around — long arms aid recovery and enable him to push rushers wide of the pocket. Thwarts rushers with a heavy punch and sturdy base. Locks on and controls. Walls off and seals. Widens the hole. Gets to the second level with ease. Passes off stunts.”

CBSSports.com’s Rob Rang compared Henderson to current NFL offensive tackle D.J. Fluker.

“A similarly jaw-dropping combination of size and power as San Diego Chargers 2013 first round pick D.J. Fluker, Henderson relies on his length and underrated lateral quickness to protect the edge against speed rushers,” Rang said. “Typically, his long arms keep pass-rushers at bay and he plays with good patience, keeping his knees bent and his butt low to stop bull-rushers in their tracks.”

Henderson has visited or worked out for the 49ers, Dolphins, Falcons and Steelers. NFL Draft pundits have pegged Henderson to land in a few different places.

WalterFootball.com and Charlie Campbell both have Henderson going to the Atlanta Falcons.

BleacherReport.com’s Matt Miller predicts Henderson will be selected by the Arizona Cardinals.

Whatever team selects Henderson will be getting an extremely gifted athlete who DraftInsider.com’s Tony Pauline believes “possesses the size and skill to start at the next level if the light ever goes on.”