We are weeks into the preseason, and it's getting increasingly difficult to ignore what De'Angelo Henderson has done as a sixth-round pick by the Denver Broncos. With most of the runnings backs on the depth chart battling injuries, Henderson has stepped in and looked impressive, breaking off a 41-yard-touchdown in his first preseason game, which began his rise to prominence.
As a college back at Coastal Carolina, Henderson set the Division-I record by scoring a touchdown in 35 straight games. He measured in at 5'7", 208 pounds at the combine and ran a 4.48 40 while bench pressing 225 pounds 20 times, an impressive feat for a smaller running back. His strong lower body and natural pad level (due to his stature) allows him to generate more power than you would expect, and his quickness has been evident even against NFL competition.
In front of him on the depth chart is C.J. Anderson, Jamaal Charles and presumably Devontae Booker. The latter was woefully ineffective last season, posting a terrible Rushing NEP per rush of -0.11 and a Success Rate of just 36.21 percent, putting him alongside players such as T.J. Yeldon and Rashad Jennings. Anderson, meanwhile, played in just seven games last year and has battled injuries for most of his career. The former undrafted rookie has flashed, but the team certainly isn't committed to him long term. Charles was finally able to take the field in Week 3 of the preseason, but as a 30-year-old who has played a combined eight games across the past two years, he is not a safe bet to make it the entire season.
Meanwhile, a healthy Henderson has racked up 118 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries this preseason, including getting a significant reps with the first team as one of the few available backs during both practice and games. The Broncos have attempted to upgrade their offensive line by drafting tackle Garett Bolles in the first round, but it remains to be seen if they can perform better than the unit that struggled in 2016.
Given the number of players ahead of Henderson on the depth chart, he is nothing more than a deep stash candidate in dynasty leagues, although he should certainly be on the watch list in all formats.