Player Spotlight: Travis Henry (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Travis Henry, RB, Denver Broncos

Player Page Link: Travis Henry Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[Ministry of Pain]

300 carries

1,300 yds rushing

40 receptions...maybe more...who is the WR2 exactly on this team?

300 yds

1,600 total yds and 10 TD

 

[BigSteelThrill]

This is the Denver RBs in 2007... and still without Terrell Davis.

Travis Henry

1050 rush.

6 TDs.

200 rec.

1 TD.

Mike Bell as a rookie had 677 yards (4.3) 8TDs and 158 rec last year.

Mike will be slightley better this year. Which cuts into Henry final#s.

 

[Blackjacks]

I just traded alot to get him and for good reason. I think Henry is going ot be an absolute "STUD" this year. This is the first time in the lst 2 years that you know who the Denver rb is going to be ans that demands respect.

335 rushing attempts 1275 rushing yards 3.9 avg. 11 td's

30 catches 220 yards 7.1 avg. 1 td

1500 yards and 12 td's sounds about right

 

[Tubalcane]

Travis Henry

1400 Rush

9 TD’s

300 rec.

1 TD

I think Shanny will ride Henry if he gets hot…and he will. I think Henry is hungry and it will reflect in his totals at the end of the year.

I also think Henry will be one of the best grabs at the top of the second round (maybe middle). I just don’t think many people will jump at him early. Henry could be a major player in fantasy leagues this year as a second RB…kinda like Parker and Gore last year.

Bell will get some carries but I think he will not be near his totals last year.

There is a possibility that Shanny gives the rock to Cecil Sapp at the goal line as he is bigger than either Bell or Henry. It has been mentioned already that Sapp will get his chances this year.

 

[nygiants56]

A banner year for him:

325 carries, 1495 yards, 4.6 per carry.

40 receptions, 280 yards

14 total tds..

a Portis-like season.

Bell isn't going to eat into his production as much as some might think. If Bell was that good, Shanny would not have traded for Henry. Bells numbers drop off slightly, probably down to 100 carries or less...

 

[CalBear]

People have been burned by Denver RBs for several years now, which is why Travis Henry currently represents possibly the best RB value on the board. For the first time since 2003, the Denver starting RB is clearly known before the season; the situation is not analagous to situations involving Tatum Bell, Mike Bell, Mike Anderson, and Ron Dayne, because in none of those cases had Denver gone out and spent a lot of money on a specific player. There is little concern that Mike Bell will pressure Henry for serious carries, so we know who's going to get the carries in Denver, and generally that's been an important thing to know.

So what about Henry himself? He's a player who has been cast aside by two different teams, but he's also a Pro Bowler who put up 1700 combined with 14 TDs in Buffalo, and last year put up 1300 combined and 7 TDs in Tennessee in only 14 games. He's not a flashy RB, but he works hard and should be a good fit for Denver's system. It seems obvious that he should outdo his Tennessee numbers in Denver, so 1300 combined with 7 TDs is an absolute floor for him. I'm not willing to project him to duplicate his 2002 season, or duplicate Portis' output, but he should at least match Mike Anderson's starting Denver numbers, which will make him a solid starting RB1:

1600 combined yards

12 TDs

Good for approximately RB#6 by FBG scoring

There's not much mock draft data out yet, but it seems that Henry is going in the second or third round; I think a realistic assessment of his chances indicates he's a steal at that level. His ADP will probably creep up as it becomes more clear that he's the undisputed starter in training camps and exhibition games.

 

[Banger]

Despite OL injuries, major QB problems, and barely NFL caliber RB's Denver running game finished 8th in yards and 9th in carries while averaging 4.4 ypc. Henry is a much better RB than Denver had on their roster last year and Cutler will make teams respect the pass with his big arm. Denver has finished 2nd, 4th and 2nd the prior 3 years and while their line isn't as good as it once was there's no secret that Denver is a running team and Henry is the teams best back since Portis.

I think there's a good chance that Henry goes for 330-1500-10 (possibly more). He's got a very good shot at being a top back this year.

 

[zamboni]

There is a possibility that Shanny gives the rock to Cecil Sapp at the goal line as he is bigger than either Bell or Henry.

Henry is a proven goal line back and runs a lot harder than his size indicates. I don't see him being pulled at the stripe unless he continually fails at the role.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think some of you are overanalyzing the situation

Shanny traded Tatum Bell and then went out and got Henry early in free agency. This is clearly his guy; and the notion that Mike Bell is going to keep Henry from being a workhorse makes no sense to me. If Henry stays healthy, I see no way he's not a top 10 fantasy back this season.

 

[Banger]

I think some of you are overanalyzing the situationShanny traded Tatum Bell and then went out and got Henry early in free agency. This is clearly his guy; and the notion that Mike Bell is going to keep Henry from being a workhorse makes no sense to me. If Henry stays healthy, I see no way he's not a top 10 fantasy back this season.

Agreed. Shanny went out and got a RB because their backs last year stunk. M. Bell is a backup and nothing more.

 

[shadyridr]

I dont think Travis Henry will be the stud everyone is making him out to be because I dont think he is a great NFL RB. That being said in that system anybody can put up great numbers. So Henry should be a bottom of the line RB1. If you get him as a RB2 you will be very happy. Mike Bell shouldnt hurt his numbers at all.

288 att, 1200 yds, 11 tds, 32 rec, 200 yds, 0 tds

 

[Banger]

I dont think Travis Henry will be the stud everyone is making him out to be because I dont think he is a great NFL RB. That being said in that system anybody can put up great numbers. So Henry should be a bottom of the line RB1. If you get him as a RB2 you will be very happy. Mike Bell shouldnt hurt his numbers at all.288 att, 1200 yds, 11 tds, 32 rec, 200 yds, 0 tds

I don't think many think that he's a great RB but he is a good NFL RB and can be a top RB on Denver....'02 16 games 1750 tot yds 14 tds'03 15 games 1500 tot yds 11 tds'04 replaced by McGahee'05 suspended/traded to Tenn'06 14 games 1400 tot yds 7 tdsDenver is a better situation than he's even been in in his career and if he's healthy his floor is more likely to be 1500+ yards and 10 tds'. Not much not to like about his situation.

 

[zamboni]

That being said in that system anybody can put up great numbers.

Just to play devil's advocate, it could be possible that the system isn't the same as it has been in recent years. The OL still seems intact, but isn't getting any younger. And it remains to be seen whether Cutler can keep the defenses honest.I still can see Henry performing well, but it just may not be the same RB gold mine in Denver as it used to be.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

You have to think he'll be able to at least duplicate the numbers he put up in Buffalo while he was the starter there.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Predicting Denver Rb projections is dicey. To act like we know what Shanny is going to do the day before a game is tough, to act like we know what he's going to do at RB in early May is borderline crazy.

I'll try:

1025 yards rushing

9 td's

20 receptions for 200 yards and 2 tds

 

[Banger]

Predicting Denver Rb projections is dicey. To act like we know what Shanny is going to do the day before a game is tough, to act like we know what he's going to do at RB in early May is borderline crazy.I'll try:1025 yards rushing9 td's20 receptions for 200 yards and 2 tds

I don't know why it would be fuzzy. The only time he's shuffled backs is when they had garbage to choose from. They went out and threw good money at Henry (they hadn't done in the past), they don't have anyone good behind him pushing him and Henry's produced well in much worse situations than he'll have in Denver.

 

[Marc Faletti]

Henry's always been a bit of an enigma, fantasy-wise. Just when it looks like he has a job locked up for good, something happens to send his status back into limbo. Finally, though, it looks like he has a home where he'll be the #1 guy.

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

He seemed to have cured them fairly well last year, only fumbling 3 times in 270 attempts. But remember the old Buffalo days? He fumbled 11 times in 2002 and 7 times in 2003. If he's fixed this problem for good, then Henry should hold onto the job and turn in a top 10 season. But if he reverts to the old days, then Shanny will cease to trust him and he'll wind up on the pine.

For my money, I think he'll fumble a bit more than last year, and Shanny will tire of it later in the year (read: during FFL playoffs, so beware), but he'll have fine totals overall.

285 carries, 1300 yards, 11 TDs

25 receptions, 225 yards, 1 TD

 

[Jason Wood]

That being said in that system anybody can put up great numbers.

Just to play devil's advocate, it could be possible that the system isn't the same as it has been in recent years. The OL still seems intact, but isn't getting any younger. And it remains to be seen whether Cutler can keep the defenses honest.I still can see Henry performing well, but it just may not be the same RB gold mine in Denver as it used to be.

Well, the "system" was still churning out the numbers last year:488 carries [9th in attempts]2,152 yards [8th in yards]12 TDs [21st]I think looking at these numbers, and Shanny's urgency in acquiring Henry; you could argue that he isn't satisfied with being a top 10 rushing attack, and wants more. That's 100% goodness for Henry in terms of opportunity.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Henry's always been a bit of an enigma, fantasy-wise. Just when it looks like he has a job locked up for good, something happens to send his status back into limbo. Finally, though, it looks like he has a home where he'll be the #1 guy.

Hey Banger, to me it's just a bit fuzzy because I agree with this statement as well. Something inside me telling me somehow, someway Henry may just find a way to screw this up.So, projecting him for 1400 yards and 15 Td's and drafting him as such could be a HUGE bust for those owners doing so.For me, I'd rather project this particular player (It's May mind you, I may change later on closer to the season if I see reason to believe so) on the low end.

 

[Banger]

Henry's always been a bit of an enigma, fantasy-wise. Just when it looks like he has a job locked up for good, something happens to send his status back into limbo. Finally, though, it looks like he has a home where he'll be the #1 guy.

Hey Banger, to me it's just a bit fuzzy because I agree with this statement as well. Something inside me telling me somehow, someway Henry may just find a way to screw this up.So, projecting him for 1400 yards and 15 Td's and drafting him as such could be a HUGE bust for those owners doing so.For me, I'd rather project this particular player (It's May mind you, I may change later on closer to the season if I see reason to believe so) on the low end.

Fair enough.

 

[Jason Wood]

Henry's always been a bit of an enigma, fantasy-wise. Just when it looks like he has a job locked up for good, something happens to send his status back into limbo. Finally, though, it looks like he has a home where he'll be the #1 guy.

Hey Banger, to me it's just a bit fuzzy because I agree with this statement as well. Something inside me telling me somehow, someway Henry may just find a way to screw this up.So, projecting him for 1400 yards and 15 Td's and drafting him as such could be a HUGE bust for those owners doing so.For me, I'd rather project this particular player (It's May mind you, I may change later on closer to the season if I see reason to believe so) on the low end.

Perhaps...but I think people are awfully hard on Henry. Yes, the Bills went in another direction but frankly I can't blame them. Henry had personal issues [including a bankruptcy] that really called into question the logic of investing a new massive long-term deal into him. In Tennessee, the chips were stacked against him as he faced a talented incumbent in Chris Brown, and a highly touted rookie in Lendale White, yet it was Henry that ran well. And it was just his stats, but the guy ran hard behind what many considered a mediocre offensive line.If Henry screws this up, and he might, it's not because of a physical limitations but because he does something off the field that causes his focus to shift.

 

[rascal]

That being said in that system anybody can put up great numbers.

Just to play devil's advocate, it could be possible that the system isn't the same as it has been in recent years. The OL still seems intact, but isn't getting any younger. And it remains to be seen whether Cutler can keep the defenses honest.I still can see Henry performing well, but it just may not be the same RB gold mine in Denver as it used to be.

Actually it is getting younger.Kuper (24) will probably start at RG and Pears (24) will probably start at RT. Plus they just drafted Harris who will be their other starting tackle in a couple of years. Plus they have Myers and Eslinger ready to go when Nalen hangs them up. And Hamilton is only 29.Nalen and Lepsis are getting older, but Denver has locked up their replacements and have had a lot of time to develop them so they can step right in when the time comes.And as far as Cutler keeping defenses honest...He can do a better job then Plummer that's for sure. And as evidence I point to the 65 yard TD pass to Walker against Arizona.

 

[NOONAN]

Henry's always been a bit of an enigma, fantasy-wise. Just when it looks like he has a job locked up for good, something happens to send his status back into limbo. Finally, though, it looks like he has a home where he'll be the #1 guy. There's only one problem. His dropsies. He seemed to have cured them fairly well last year, only fumbling 3 times in 270 attempts. But remember the old Buffalo days? He fumbled 11 times in 2002 and 7 times in 2003. If he's fixed this problem for good, then Henry should hold onto the job and turn in a top 10 season. But if he reverts to the old days, then Shanny will cease to trust him and he'll wind up on the pine. For my money, I think he'll fumble a bit more than last year, and Shanny will tire of it later in the year (read: during FFL playoffs, so beware), but he'll have fine totals overall.285 carries, 1300 yards, 11 TDs25 receptions, 225 yards, 1 TD

Why would you expect regressing to fumbling? He has shown continued improvement in that area especially. He appears to have his non-football life in order(see maturity) also.I was thrilled to see my #4 RB(keeper league) move to such a great situation. Shanny loves a feature back WHEN HE HAS ONE. There has never been a QUALITY RB in Denver who was not a workhorse.330 carries 4.3 ypc 1420 yds 12 TD's40 rec 6.2 ypr 250 yds 2 TD's1670 yds 14 TD's Top 5-6 RB.

 

[TheFanatic]

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

There is one other problem. Isn't he one strike away from a Ricky Williams Vacation? That being said, I could see Henry get the hook for a game or two if he drops the ball. I think Shanny will have no problem starting the kid and benching Henry for a game to send a message. 1400 yards rushing250 yards receiving11 total TD's

 

[shadyridr]

The loss of Plummer will also increase RB goalline carries.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I think some of you are overanalyzing the situationShanny traded Tatum Bell and then went out and got Henry early in free agency. This is clearly his guy; and the notion that Mike Bell is going to keep Henry from being a workhorse makes no sense to me. If Henry stays healthy, I see no way he's not a top 10 fantasy back this season.

This one is pretty cut and dry. Henry is "the man" in Denver.

 

[rascal]

I expect him to put up numbers similar to what he did in Buffalo. I'm cautious to give him more then that because I do think that Mike Bell will see some action to help keep Henry rested, but he will go over 300 carries.

1350 yards, 10 TD's, 320 carries

200 yards, 25 receptions, 1 TD's

 

[rascal]

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

There is one other problem. Isn't he one strike away from a Ricky Williams Vacation? That being said, I could see Henry get the hook for a game or two if he drops the ball. I think Shanny will have no problem starting the kid and benching Henry for a game to send a message. 1400 yards rushing250 yards receiving11 total TD's

If he stays clean he will no longer be in the drug program in October.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

The loss of Plummer will also increase RB goalline carries.

And it may also limit the number of times they get RB goaline carries.

 

[2stix]

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

There is one other problem. Isn't he one strike away from a Ricky Williams Vacation? That being said, I could see Henry get the hook for a game or two if he drops the ball. I think Shanny will have no problem starting the kid and benching Henry for a game to send a message. 1400 yards rushing250 yards receiving11 total TD's

If he stays clean he will no longer be in the drug program in October.

That is a long time in the Colorado HIGH country.1200 yds ru250yds rec12 TDS (9 ru/3rec)

 

[rascal]

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

There is one other problem. Isn't he one strike away from a Ricky Williams Vacation? That being said, I could see Henry get the hook for a game or two if he drops the ball. I think Shanny will have no problem starting the kid and benching Henry for a game to send a message. 1400 yards rushing250 yards receiving11 total TD's

If he stays clean he will no longer be in the drug program in October.

That is a long time in the Colorado HIGH country.

LOLColorado law does allow a small amount of marijuana to be on your person, although the Feds will still get you.I'm not expecting any problems with Henry.

 

[fsufan]

'02 16 games 1750 tot yds 14 tds

'03 15 games 1500 tot yds 11 tds'04 replaced by McGahee

'05 suspended/traded to Tenn

'06 14 games 1400 tot yds 7 tds

This says it all. When Henry is the full time starter he produces. Top 10 FF RB this year

 

[enfuego]

There is a possibility that Henry will come down with "signed contract fever" and get a bit lazy. He is a confidence runner...so if he gets on a roll early, he will be hot throughout, barring a rash of fumbles. The first four games could be fairly decent with the Bills, Raiders, Jags, and Colts (away, home, home, away).

I see: Rushes = 295, Rushing Yards = 1250, Rush TDs = 12, Receptions = 22, Receiving Yards = 103, Receiving TDs = 1

 

[Thorpe]

1653 yards, 13 TD's, 320 carries

310 yards, 37 receptions, 1 TD's

People are going to learn how strong Henry is, now that he has some help from his blockers.

 

[KING]

i could never quite understand denver signing henry. he just dosn't seem like the type of player shanny would embrace. yes he has talent, but he also has baggage. after 2 seasons rushing for 2800 yards, and 25td's, buffalo couldn't wait to get rid of him. then, it's not like teams were falling over each other to acquire him.

in '05 henry couldn't even supplant a totally ineffective brown as starter.

only as a last resort did they even turn to him in '06. yes he is capable of 1500 yards in denver. the question is, what will happen the 1st time he fumbles inside the 5? how will he and shanny cohabitate? henry has not been able to hold on to his starting gig for 2 other teams, how will he do it in denver?

235 1000 4.3 7 and 25 185 7.4 0

 

[Da Guru]

It is all about being the feature guy.

If Henry gets 75% of the carries he will have a very good season. 1400 and 12-14 TDs is not out of the question.

The problem is if he fumbles early in games Shanny has the rep of yanking a guy and not putting him back in.

It happened to both Bells a couple of times last year.

 

[Banger]

henry has not been able to hold on to his starting gig for 2 other teams, how will he do it in denver?

Who is going to supplant him? Tatum is gone. Mike Bell? C. Cobbs? Those guys are barely NFL players.Denver had 488 carries last year (which is fewer than prior years) and you expect Henry to get less than 50% of the carries?

 

[rascal]

i could never quite understand denver signing henry. he just dosn't seem like the type of player shanny would embrace. yes he has talent, but he also has baggage. after 2 seasons rushing for 2800 yards, and 25td's, buffalo couldn't wait to get rid of him. then, it's not like teams were falling over each other to acquire him.

in '05 henry couldn't even supplant a totally ineffective brown as starter.

only as a last resort did they even turn to him in '06. yes he is capable of 1500 yards in denver. the question is, what will happen the 1st time he fumbles inside the 5? how will he and shanny cohabitate? henry has not been able to hold on to his starting gig for 2 other teams, how will he do it in denver?

235 1000 4.3 7 and 25 185 7.4 0

uh...Gerrard Warren, Alfred Williams, Dale Carter, IHOP, etc and then this years draft. Shanny is willing to take a gamble on players with baggage, so I don't agree with that statement.IMO Henry is the perfect back for Denver. He is a down hill runner who makes one cut and goes, and that is exactly what their style of blocking calls for.

Nobody will replace him this year. Mike Bell is a backup, Tatum is gone, C Cobbs has been cut, and S Young and Hall have no experience in the system. Nobody will be replacing him.

 

[CalBear]

It's worth noting that by this time last season, we'd already had a dozen threads on the Denver RB situation. Same with the two years before.

As far as I can tell, we have none this year. I think that speaks volumes about Henry's certainty as the feature back. Unless Shanny goes out and picks up Ron Dayne again or some silly thing like that, Henry's solid as the man.

 

[Da Guru]

henry has not been able to hold on to his starting gig for 2 other teams, how will he do it in denver?

Who is going to supplant him? Tatum is gone. Mike Bell? C. Cobbs? Those guys are barely NFL players.Denver had 488 carries last year (which is fewer than prior years) and you expect Henry to get less than 50% of the carries?

Cobbs is gone too.

 

[rascal]

It is all about being the feature guy.If Henry gets 75% of the carries he will have a very good season. 1400 and 12-14 TDs is not out of the question.The problem is if he fumbles early in games Shanny has the rep of yanking a guy and not putting him back in.It happened to both Bells a couple of times last year.

Mike Bell only had one fumble (and it was recovered by Denver) BTW. Tatum did have fumble problems though.He had problems in 2002 and 2003 (lost 11 combined) but not of late, so I don't see why he would suddenly regress. Tiki improved so why can't Henry? But if there is a concern I guess that would have to be it.

 

[Banger]

henry has not been able to hold on to his starting gig for 2 other teams, how will he do it in denver?

Who is going to supplant him? Tatum is gone. Mike Bell? C. Cobbs? Those guys are barely NFL players.Denver had 488 carries last year (which is fewer than prior years) and you expect Henry to get less than 50% of the carries?

Cobbs is gone too.

LOL, my point exactly.

 

[moleculo]

quite a few posts have Henry with <1100 yds on the ground. I certainly hope that people feel that way come draft time.

 

[KING]

quite a few posts have Henry with <1100 yds on the ground. I certainly hope that people feel that way come draft time.

if you want him in the 1st round, more power to ya. i won't be in your way

 

[fsufan]

quite a few posts have Henry with <1100 yds on the ground. I certainly hope that people feel that way come draft time.

Henry had more than that with Tenn. last year and only started 12 games.Bell had 1025 yards in RBBC and he missed 3 or 4 games

 

[Marc Faletti]

Why would you expect regressing to fumbling?

As a Henry owner, I certainly hope it's behind him, and I have no evidence to the contrary. Hopefully, his dropsies were more a product of his immaturity, which we can all agree has seen a turnaround. I'm going strictly on intuition when I say I have a feeling they'll rear their head a bit again. He wasn't entirely fumble-free last year, and -- this is merely anecdotal -- he always seems to fumble at crucial times, like around the goal line, when I recall the fumbles of his I've seen. He had 3 fumble last year (keep in mind he had 2 in only 88 carries the year before), and if he gets even more carries, he could see that number get to 5 or so. And if he fumbles 5 times at the wrong time(s), I could imagine Shanahan getting weary of him by the end of the year.Again, total intuition, not even something I'm firm on. After all, I'm a Henry owner, like I said. I'm happy to get what I can, just not going to assume 100% he'll be there for me as the workhorse by the time the playoffs roll around.

 

[Tag]

quite a few posts have Henry with <1100 yds on the ground. I certainly hope that people feel that way come draft time.

if you want him in the 1st round, more power to ya. i won't be in your way

First round?? I just grabbed in the middle of the 3rd round in a 14 team dynasty draft.

 

[Blackjacks]

There's only one problem. His dropsies.

There is one other problem. Isn't he one strike away from a Ricky Williams Vacation? That being said, I could see Henry get the hook for a game or two if he drops the ball. I think Shanny will have no problem starting the kid and benching Henry for a game to send a message. 1400 yards rushing250 yards receiving11 total TD's

March 7, 2007, 09:01Broncos :: RBRB Henry To Exit Substance Abuse Program?Bill Williamson, Denver Post - [Full Article]One potential risk involved in the Broncos' signing of RB Travis Henry will be erased later this year if the back stays clean. Henry will rotate out of the NFL's substance abuse program after the third game of the 2007 season if he doesn't have any drug violations. If he does have a violation before then, Henry would be suspended for the entire season. Players rotate out of the program after two seasons if they don't have any violations.

 

[KING]

quite a few posts have Henry with <1100 yds on the ground. I certainly hope that people feel that way come draft time.

if you want him in the 1st round, more power to ya. i won't be in your way

First round?? I just grabbed in the middle of the 3rd round in a 14 team dynasty draft.

he is going to be 29 during the season, and it's not like he's got longterm job security in DEN