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.
