The Cleveland Browns’ train of pre-draft visits keeps rolling on. According to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, Texas A&M defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson will be coming to Berea soon to meet with the team.
Texans invited Texas A&M DT Zaycoven Henderson to local prospect day. Arrested for suspicion of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon but not charged with a crime, he wasn't allowed to participate in the Aggies' Pro Day. Henderson to visit Browns,Vikings are interested
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 6, 2018
As Wilson notes, Henderson was forbidden from taking part in A&M’s pro day following a December arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly pointing a rifle at various people, threatening murder and also for possession of marijuana. Though he was eventually not charged, the allegations were enough for A&M to impose the punishment.
On the football field, Henderson possesses some upside. In four years, he appeared in 47 games with 26 starts and totaled 116 tackles (including 21.5 for a loss) and 8.5 sacks. NFLDraftScout.com expert Dane Brugler wrote in his draft guide that Henderson, “creates movement with his bull rush, allowing his initial momentum to do the work... [He] competes with a nasty streak [and has] versatile experience, taking snaps up and down the line of scrimmage.”
However, Brugler notes that Henderson had “lackluster senior tape with the below average production to match,” and, most importantly, his “off-field character requires serious vetting.” Both are why Brugler has a sixth- or seventh-round grade on the defensive lineman and the latter is certainly a major factor in why the Browns would like to meet with Henderson before making a final decision about his place on (or off) their draft board.
Character red flags aren’t always a reason to steer clear of a prospect if he can prove his personal issues are behind him and if his talent is worthy of the risk. Henderson will need to demonstrate both when he meets with the Browns and others who are taking pre-draft looks at him. If he lands with the Browns later this month, it means he allayed fears enough to be worthy of a selection.