LB EJ Henderson MIN impressing rookie Greenway (1 Viewer)

Henderson excelling, teachingBY SEAN JENSENPioneer PressMANKATO, Minn. — Chad Greenway does not hesitate in announcing which defender has stood out thus far at training camp."E.J. Henderson," Greenway said. "He's had a good camp. Ask the coaches. He probably has had the best camp of anybody on our defense so far, and that's just the way it is."The Vikings didn't want to thrust Greenway into a starting role, and the rookie linebacker has not put pressure on himself to start. But veterans have praised fellow linebacker Henderson's play, and he has been one of the most consistent playmakers."I think I've had a good opening to camp," Henderson said. "But it's still early, and I've still got to do it in the preseason games."But as a whole, (the linebackers are) having a good camp."Although this is his third season in the NFL and second as a starter, Henderson said he isn't bothered by the questions about his ability to handle a starting spot."I'm not a Pro Bowl linebacker, and I haven't been dominating. So I've got to come in and earn my spot," Henderson said. "So, ain't nothing wrong with earning what you deserve."But Greenway, the Vikings' top pick in April's NFL draft, has appreciated Henderson's willingness to help him, in spite of their competitive situation."E.J. is not a selfish guy, and he's out there trying to help me as much as possible," Greenway said. "I'm just trying to get better every day. If I do that, then I'll be in a position to help this team, and that's really all I'm looking to do. I don't want to force anything, and I don't want to take a job that's not mine."Besides, Henderson has something he doesn't, Greenway said. "Experience."Henderson said he has no reservations about helping Greenway because of the veteran leadership he benefited from as a rookie in 2003."I had older guys show me the ropes," Henderson said. "I'm an older vet, so it's my job to help him out."

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massraider said:

Is there any sort of consensus on where these guys are gonna line up?

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Jene Bramel said:

massraider said:

Is there any sort of consensus on where these guys are gonna line up?

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Sort of.Right now it really looks like...WLB EJ HendersonMLB Napoleon HarrisSLB Ben LeberLeber is entrenched at SLB. Harris has apparently cleaned up his mental outlook toward the middle and has been impressive enough there to allow Henderson to take most of the snaps at Will. IMO, the longer Henderson takes snaps at WLB, the less likely it'll be that he can quickly transition to the Mike when (not if) Greenway pushes his way into the lineup.Of course, the middle may still degenerate into a mess like 2005 when Cowart, Henderson, and Harris were in and out of the position like ping pong balls in the lottery.

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massraider said:

Just based on my prior observances of Harris, I don't think he likes the middle. Aside from his rook year, he showed little aptitude for it. IMO, he should be a WLB, let him use his athletic ability. Henderson at WLB and Harris at MLB puzzles me quite a bit.

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The_Hunchback said:

massraider said:

Just based on my prior observances of Harris, I don't think he likes the middle. Aside from his rook year, he showed little aptitude for it. IMO, he should be a WLB, let him use his athletic ability. Henderson at WLB and Harris at MLB puzzles me quite a bit.

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That athletic ability is exactly the reason the coaching staff will want him in the middle. The new defense being installed needs an athletic MLB.

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massraider said:

http://www.kfan.com/pages/vikings/camp2006...2afternoon.html

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One defensive player that is really standing out is Napoleon Harris. It's clear that defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin trusts Harris to lead his defense, and as the veteran of the group it should come as no surprise.

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A lot has been made about who is going to step up and play that middle spot, and the answer is becoming more clear as the days go by, it's Harris.

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Having Harris step up as he has is a perfect scenario for the Vikings defense. They can rely on Harris' verteran leadership qualities and won't have to rely too heavily on guys that are young and unproven.

These are from the tuesday afternoon notebook.

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While there is still some uncertainty at linebacker, one spot seems taken, and that is strong side LB where Ben Leber should be the starter. Ben has taken to the new defense and continues to impress with solid, if unspectacular play. He and Napoleon Harris really seem to understand where they are supposed to be and have excelled in recognizing plays early.

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Two of the more questioned LBs also had pretty good days. E.J. Henderson and Dontarrious Thomas showed that they can make plays in the new scheme. Henderson filled the running lane very well on several occasions, while Dontarrious took a few words of advice from Napoloeon Harris and made a very nice read on a middle screen. There may be hope yet for this unit as it seems the scheme will properly take advantage of their skills

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Yanked this off a Vikes message board. Seems as though Harris is doing good. I hope so. Loved him with the Raiders.

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