Derrick Henry has never had this much talent around him. After spending his first eight seasons on the Tennessee Titans, Henry joins a star-studded Ravens team that could help him be one of the top fantasy running backs in 2024.
Here's what to know about Henry ahead of your fantasy football draft:
Last Year's Production
2023 Stats: 280 carries, 1,167 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs, 28 catches, 214 receiving yards, 2 passing TDs, 246.7 PFF fantasy points, RB8 (ESPN)
Henry has long been the focus of defenses playing the Titans and ran behind a sub-par offensive line, but he still finished as RB8 last season. The two-time rushing champion finished second in 2023 and showed he still has plenty of juice with 153 rushing yards in the season finale where he hit 21.7 MPH on a 69-yard run.
Projected Role/Production
ESPN: 251 carries, 1,059 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 223 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, 230.3 PPR Fantasy Points (RB9)
Henry has never had these many weapons around him. Sharing the backfield with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson will keep defenses on edge all game, and there are playmakers such as tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Zay Flowers.
The Ravens have had one of the top rushing attacks in recent seasons, and Henry will only add to that. Henry has major upside in 2024 with a high floor, barring injury.
Why He Could Outperform ADP
According to an average of major fantasy football websites, Henry's average draft position (ADP) is 17, so middle second round in a 12-team league. He has the eighth highest ADP amongst running backs.
Playing alongside Jackson could help him finish as one of the top players in 2024. There has never been a thunder and lightning combo like Henry and Jackson before, and it will be nearly impossible to stop them both. Defenses having to account for Jackson could lead to some massive runs for Henry.
Potential Roadblocks
Henry is entering his age 30 season, which is around the time most running backs start to falter. But Henry isn't a normal running back, so hitting that mark might not matter.
Henry is also in his first year running out of a shotgun offense, which could take some getting used to. Ravens Running Backs Coach Willie Taggart said he was slightly concerned about Henry running out of shotgun, but then he saw him practice. "I'm not going to lie, I questioned that, until he got here, and [I saw] the big man move his feet," Taggart said.
The Ravens' offensive line turnover (replacing three starters) could also impact Henry's room to run, but he still churned out more than 1,000 yards on the ground last season behind the Titans' struggling line.
