Henry Making The Most Of An Opportunity
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Now five games into his NFL career, including four consecutive starts, former Arkansas All-American Hunter Henry is starting to show why the San Diego Chargers made him the first tight end taken in the 2016 NFL Draft.
After collecting one catch over his first two games playing behind and being mentored by future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, Henry has taken full advantage of his starting role with Gates being limited by a hamstring injury.
Henry has quickly developed into one of quarterback Phillip Rivers’ favorite targets with his increased snap count and during week 5 at Oakland hauled in a touchdown for the second straight game. Henry finished with three receptions for 74 yards, including a 59-yard reception. The 59-yard grab is the third-longest by a tight end this season in the NFL.
Just like he did at Arkansas, Henry has been able to turn a big chunk of his 13 receptions into first downs. Out of Henry’s 13 catches, 11 have gone for a first down, resulting in an 84.6 percent clip that leads all tight ends and ranks fourth overall in the NFL among players with 10+ catches.
Henry ranks fifth among NFL tight ends in touchdowns (2), seventh in yards per catch (17.5), 10th in yards (227) and tied for 11th in first down receptions (11). His 17.5 yards per catch leads all tight ends with 10+ receptions.
Along with Martellus Bennett of the New England Patriots, Henry is one of two tight ends with multiple touchdown grabs, at least four receptions of 20+ yards and a 40-yard catch.
