Broncos select defensive end Matt Henningsen in 6th round of NFL draft
The Denver Broncos selected Wisconsin defensive end Matt Henningsen in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL draft on Saturday afternoon (206th overall).
Henningsen (6-3, 289 pounds) is a walk-on-turned-scholarship-recipient. Bouncing back from a 2020 injury, he earned a third-team all-conference notice in his final collegiate season. The DE totaled 34 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 13 starts.
In addition to being third-team all-conference, Henningsen placed as a finalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy – an award basically considered the “Academic Heisman.” He earned an electrical engineering degree with a 4.0 GPA as well.
A Wisconsin native, Henningsen continues the theme of George Paton drafting redshirt seniors. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein grades the DE as a backup and special teams player.
Although Draft Wire ranks Henningsen No. 145 (4th round) out of 300 prospects. Ultimately, Henningsen’s play decides if he’s a draft day reach or steal, though.
In Denver, the defensive lineman is depth alongside Eyioma Uwazurike, as the team replaces Shelby Harris and retools their rotation.
