Henne Moving Up Draft Boards

Why am I talking about Chad Henne on a blog dedicated to (mostly) Penn State athletics? Well in case you didn't read my post after Michigan's loss to Appalachian State, I went to high school and played football with Chad. I have been following his career at UM these past four years and was excited when he was named the starter his freshman year in 2004 and was ecstatic when he played so well during much of the 2006 season, when his draft stock continued to rise. Early season woes and injuries throughout the 2007 season derailed the hopes of Henne being drafted in the first round in the 2008 draft. It was thought that he may be a mid- to late-round prospect as recently as November.

All of this changed when Henne orchestrated the Wolverines' victory over Florida in the Capital One Bowl on January 1st. Henne had a great game, completing 25 of 39 passes for 373 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs. He finishes his career as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Michigan history, statistically speaking. Arguably, if he had managed to win a National Championship during his four year UM career he may be considered the best to Wolverine QB ever. Think about that. Unfortunately he did not win one so he is seen as average, despite his individual success as a passer. But I digress.

Henne will more than likely be second round pick in the 2008 draft.

Chad's stock continued to climb throughout this week's Senior Bowl practices. All the reviews for him were overwhelmingly positive. Then in Saturday's game he produced the only touchdowns the North squad scored (the South won on a last second TD by Andre Caldwell, 17-16). Henne went 5 of 9 for 64 yards and 2 TDs with no INTs. Not spectacular numbers but three QBs played abd it is important that Chad was able to get the team into the end zone. He also did not commit any mistakes. He was the North Offensive MVP. Draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. believe that Henne may have cemented himself as a mid-second round pick. And this is before he can display his power and accuracy at the combine and individual workouts.

His stock will inevitably fluctuate over the next three months as the 2008 draft approaches. Matt Ryan seems to be set as the best QB in the draft, poised to go in the Top 10. Who is behind him? Brian Brohm seems to be considered the number two but that may change. Andre Woodson was thought to be the third best QB coming out. But Woodson's stock continually drops after a poor showing during Senior Bowl practices and in the game. It isn't out of the realm of possibility for Chad to bypass him come April. Right now Woodson is a late first to early second round choice. With a strong showing in the Capital One and Senior Bowls, Henne is back where he belongs. He is considered a top prospect.