The Baltimore Ravens signed a running back with both pedigree and a recent history of success in Derrick Henry. The former Tennessee Titans star is still one of the best in the game at his position, and he is ready to show the Ravens that he can help them get to a Super Bowl.
Baltimore has a possible Hall of Fame player on their hands, as his time with the Titans proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that at his best, Henry can carry an offense. His tenure with the Ravens should add to his legendary resume.
CBS Sports constructed a panel of nine analysts to decide if 12 fringe Hall of Fame candidates who are still active have a shot at making it to Canton. Henry received seven votes in the affirmative, which tied him with names like Tyreek Hill and Cameron Jordan for most votes.
In the eyes of this panel, Henry was seen as more worth of induction into the Hall of Fame than stars like Davante Adams and Jalen Ramsey. Both Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson came in behind Henry. This is the rare caliber of player the Ravens signed.
CBS believes Ravens RB Derrick Henry is headed for Hall of Fame
With two seasons leading the league in rushing yards (including his 2,000-yard season) and rushing touchdowns, Henry’s 17-game pace over the last five seasons in Tennessee gives him over 1,7000 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. In that time, he has been the best at his position in the league.
Henry is just 498 yards shy of 10,000 for his career, giving him more career rushing yards than Hall of Famers like Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor, and Larry Csonka. With 90 touchdowns on the ground (which is already more than the average Hall of Fame back, Henry has more rushing TDs than Edgerrin James, Tony Dorsett, and Thurman Thomas.
There’s a good chance that Baltimore could give Henry the structure he needs to get to 12,000 career yards.
The 12,000-yard barrier could be seen as similar to hitting 500 home runs in baseball. The only players with more than 12,000 career rushing yards that are not in the Hall of Fame are Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson, both of whom will be inducted when they become eligible.
Henry seems like a lock for Canton when his time comes, but the Ravens star would only add to an already strong case if he slips a championship ring on his finger.