Henson shows his stuff today
Texans to host at least 13 teams
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
The attention of the NFL once again will be on Houston, this time ac**** the street from the big stage where Super Bowl XXXVIII was held 11 days ago.
Representatives from 13 teams have confirmed they will be in attendance today at the Texans' indoor practice facility to observe the much-anticipated workout of former University of Michigan quarterback Drew Henson, who has spent the past two years playing baseball in the New York Yankees' organization. Since the session is open to every NFL club, more than 13 may show up.
The Texans used a sixth-round pick in last year's draft on Henson, hoping to get a big return on their minimal investment via a trade. They own Henson's draft rights until the eve of the April 24 draft and can trade the 24-year-old quarterback between March 3 and April 24.
Miami, Green Bay, Buffalo and Kansas City appear most interested, but Dallas, Seattle, the New York Giants and the New York Jets are among a second tier of teams who also seem intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Henson, who will throw approximately 75 passes today.
If the Texans are unable to trade Henson, he would re-enter the draft, but that seems unlikely considering Henson, for all intents and purposes, currently enjoys free-agent status and can have a say in where he plays. By allowing the Texans to trade him, Henson also can get a head start on the 2004 draft class by working in an offseason program.
"I'm just trying to keep an open mind," Henson said after a light workout on Wednesday. "I know which teams I'm most interested in, but until I sit down with the staffs and get to know them and they get to know me ... I'll have a better idea in a few days or a few weeks."
Because league rules prohibit teams from trading unsigned players, the Texans must work a deal with Henson before shipping him to another team. The money would have to come out of last year's rookie pool allotment, and while it's unclear how much the Texans have remaining, it's likely a relatively small amount. But Henson and potential suitors can get around that hurdle by restructuring the deal after the 2004 season.
Henson walked away from $12 million and the final three years of his baseball contract to pursue a career in the NFL. If he is as good as advertised -- most teams gave him a first-round grade after his junior season at Michigan -- he could more than recoup his losses.
Consider this: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also was a sixth-round pick in 2000. Four years later, he has two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP trophies and is entering the second year of a $28 million contract extension that included a $10 million signing bonus.
In order to follow in the footsteps of Brady, his former college teammate, Henson must find the right NFL fit -- a team that has its nucleus of standout players in place like the Patriots did when Brady took over for injured starter Drew Bledsoe.
"A good situation for Drew would be the same as with any young quarterback," said former NFL quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan, who has been working with Henson and will conduct today's workout. "A good situation would be to go somewhere he could back up a veteran quarterback for a year or two.
"If he goes somewhere and plays right away, his chances of success are much greater if he's on a good offensive team."
During today's workout, Henson will work with four players, including Texans receivers Albert Johnson and Ron Dugans. Henson is expected to showcase his passing ability by throwing to receivers running various routes, and the session will include drills allowing Henson to display his athleticism and ability to move in the pocket.
Interested teams also will get a chance to time Henson in the 40-yard dash and a 20-yard shuttle, in addition to measuring his vertical and standing broad jump. After Henson warms up, the workout is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes.
"I think people are going to be surprised by his arm strength," said Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, who watched Henson work out on Tuesday. "He's much bigger than people will remember from his days at Michigan. He's stronger, and his body has matured. He's a legitimate 6-4. I think people are going to come away impressed."
According to Kennan, league observers will see a rust-free quarterback who looks as if he just completed a full season of football.
"If you know how to throw the ball, you always know how to throw the ball," Kennan said. "Drew has fabulous ability. This is a phenomenal athlete. If you ranked him among the top guys in the NFL, he would stack up well in terms of ability. This is going to be a fun workout."
Texans to host at least 13 teams
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
RESOURCES
The attention of the NFL once again will be on Houston, this time ac**** the street from the big stage where Super Bowl XXXVIII was held 11 days ago.
Representatives from 13 teams have confirmed they will be in attendance today at the Texans' indoor practice facility to observe the much-anticipated workout of former University of Michigan quarterback Drew Henson, who has spent the past two years playing baseball in the New York Yankees' organization. Since the session is open to every NFL club, more than 13 may show up.
The Texans used a sixth-round pick in last year's draft on Henson, hoping to get a big return on their minimal investment via a trade. They own Henson's draft rights until the eve of the April 24 draft and can trade the 24-year-old quarterback between March 3 and April 24.
Miami, Green Bay, Buffalo and Kansas City appear most interested, but Dallas, Seattle, the New York Giants and the New York Jets are among a second tier of teams who also seem intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Henson, who will throw approximately 75 passes today.
If the Texans are unable to trade Henson, he would re-enter the draft, but that seems unlikely considering Henson, for all intents and purposes, currently enjoys free-agent status and can have a say in where he plays. By allowing the Texans to trade him, Henson also can get a head start on the 2004 draft class by working in an offseason program.
"I'm just trying to keep an open mind," Henson said after a light workout on Wednesday. "I know which teams I'm most interested in, but until I sit down with the staffs and get to know them and they get to know me ... I'll have a better idea in a few days or a few weeks."
Because league rules prohibit teams from trading unsigned players, the Texans must work a deal with Henson before shipping him to another team. The money would have to come out of last year's rookie pool allotment, and while it's unclear how much the Texans have remaining, it's likely a relatively small amount. But Henson and potential suitors can get around that hurdle by restructuring the deal after the 2004 season.
Henson walked away from $12 million and the final three years of his baseball contract to pursue a career in the NFL. If he is as good as advertised -- most teams gave him a first-round grade after his junior season at Michigan -- he could more than recoup his losses.
Consider this: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady also was a sixth-round pick in 2000. Four years later, he has two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP trophies and is entering the second year of a $28 million contract extension that included a $10 million signing bonus.
In order to follow in the footsteps of Brady, his former college teammate, Henson must find the right NFL fit -- a team that has its nucleus of standout players in place like the Patriots did when Brady took over for injured starter Drew Bledsoe.
"A good situation for Drew would be the same as with any young quarterback," said former NFL quarterbacks coach Larry Kennan, who has been working with Henson and will conduct today's workout. "A good situation would be to go somewhere he could back up a veteran quarterback for a year or two.
"If he goes somewhere and plays right away, his chances of success are much greater if he's on a good offensive team."
During today's workout, Henson will work with four players, including Texans receivers Albert Johnson and Ron Dugans. Henson is expected to showcase his passing ability by throwing to receivers running various routes, and the session will include drills allowing Henson to display his athleticism and ability to move in the pocket.
Interested teams also will get a chance to time Henson in the 40-yard dash and a 20-yard shuttle, in addition to measuring his vertical and standing broad jump. After Henson warms up, the workout is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes.
"I think people are going to be surprised by his arm strength," said Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer, who watched Henson work out on Tuesday. "He's much bigger than people will remember from his days at Michigan. He's stronger, and his body has matured. He's a legitimate 6-4. I think people are going to come away impressed."
According to Kennan, league observers will see a rust-free quarterback who looks as if he just completed a full season of football.
"If you know how to throw the ball, you always know how to throw the ball," Kennan said. "Drew has fabulous ability. This is a phenomenal athlete. If you ranked him among the top guys in the NFL, he would stack up well in terms of ability. This is going to be a fun workout."
