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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Chad Henne, QB
by Paul Hopkins
9/4/2008
Ask fans of many teams who require a quarterback from this year’s draft and a significant number of them will advocate passing over those first round prospects such as Ryan, Brohm and even Joe Flacco, and point to Chad Henne in the second round. Consequently, there is the possibility that Henne could sneak into the top round himself.
 The first quarterback in nearly thirty years to start as a true freshman for the University of Michigan, Henne has had a steady, solid if not spectacular career. Probably lacking one career defining moment (taking out the monumental loss to Appalachian State in week one of the 2007 season), Henne overcame many injuries and adversity in his 4 years in the Big House.
For his career in the blue of the Wolverines, Henne is statistically unparalleled. In his 47 games, all of which he started, Henne set the Wolverines’ career marks with 828 completions of 1,387 pass attempts for 9,715 yards, 87 touchdowns and 37 interceptions, in addition to setting records with 1,567 plays participated in for 9,400 yards in total offence. Henne also produced 26 200-yard passing performances, the second-best total in UM history.
What we like about Henne
Henne is able to make all the throws needed to excel in the National Football League. He possesses a strong arm and has good touch and timing in his passing motion. A quick release, accentuates his ability. For an offence looking for a smooth and very capable passer, Henne will certainly fit the bill.
 Despite suffering a few injuries during his career, Henne is not an injury-prone player and there really shouldn’t concerns over his durability, he has shown his toughness.
Henne led by example during his time at Michigan, as someone who started from the very start would. In his first year, he intertwined himself with RB Mike Hart, and they were the heartbeat of the Michigan team, leading them back from the devastating 0-2 start in 2007, to an 8-4 record and the Capital One Bowl win.
Again, due to his experience over four years of starting in the Big Ten, Henne has a lot of experience of playing in big games, on the big occasions against the best players.
Question marks over Henne
Despite possessing all the tools required to really establish himself as a top tier quarterback in the NFL, Henne is streaky, and can make big mistakes. Inconsistency can sneak into Henne’s game at key times and this is a concern as in the pro’s they will be exposed more than at the collegiate level.
 A further problem with Henne is that, when under pressure he struggles. He requires a significant amount of time to make his throws and does tend to signpost his receivers by starting one target down rather than by surveying the field and keeping his options open. When under pressure, the mechanics fail and his footwork goes to pieces. Teams can get after Henne as they know this and are also safe in the knowledge that he is not a quarterback who can break off on a run.
Physically, Henne’s height may deter some scouts who are now in the mindset of needing the 6ft 4 inches triggerman.
Highlight of his college career
After suffering major Bowl defeats in his previous season, in the 2007 season Henne led Michigan to an upset victory over the Florida Gators in the Capital One Bowl.
Other snippets of info
Video Footage of Henne
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