Michigan Football: Willie Henry Declares for 2016 NFL Draft

The Michigan football team will return a depth along the defensive line but not as much as they might have now that Willie Henry has declared for the draft.

The Michigan Wolverines had many breakout performers during Jim Harbaugh’s first season on the sidelines in Ann Arbor. Defensive tackle Willie Henry was one of those and that has led him to the decision to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Henry broke the news himself on twitter, posting a lengthy message in which he thanked the fans, his teammates and coaches, both past and present.

As a redshirt junior this past season, Henry had another year of eligibility remaining. His announcement comes just one week before the deadline for underclassmen to declare their intentions to enter the draft.

The step forward Henry made in his game to combine strength, motor and technique this season could make him an intriguing pick for a team willing to project those same kinds of strides in the next couple of seasons. He will be somewhat of an upside pick but could hear his name called as early as day two.

It is difficult to say where he could be expected to be drafted without knowing the details of his evaluation for the draft advisory committee. CBS hasn’t yet added him to their big board and nfldraftscout.com has him rated as the number 18 defensive tackle prospect but for the 2017 draft.

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This offseason could have seen many more early departures to the draft but cornerback Jourdan Lewis and tight end Jake Butt previously announced they would return to school. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley submitted for feedback from the NFL about his draft status but will also return to school after saying it was more about getting an idea of what his weakness were perceived to be so that he could improve.