NFL Draft recap: Reviewing Emmanuel Henderson and his fit with the Seahawks
In the theme of reconnecting former teammates, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Jalen Milroe's former Alabama teammate Emmanuel Henderson with their sixth-round pick. They have done this before, reuniting Grey Zabel and Jalen Sundell, Mason Richman and Beau Stephens, Jadarian Price and Rylie Mills. Now, Milroe will be able to help Henderson get situated with the Seahawks. How will Henderson fit within the culture Mike Macdonald is building with this current iteration of the team? With the Run it Forward" mindset that Mike is trying to set for the team, let's take a look at Henderson.
EMMANUEL HENDERSON!!!
- Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 27, 2025
5 catches for 214 and 2 tuddies
pic.twitter.com/HkxpDWP7OJ
Over his four-year collegiate career, Henderson did not put up gaudy numbers in yardage and touchdowns: 862 yards, five touchdowns, longest being 93 yards, which is nothing to scoff at. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception, which is great. Most of the yards came in his fourth year when he played for the University of Kansas. Prior, he played three years at Alabama but was never really able to carve out a role, though with his four catches in 2024 he averaged more than 20 yards per reception. Henderson was also a contributor in the return game, averaging 22.8 per return with one touchdown in 2025. This type of profile is one Seahawk fans will be familiar with. Players like Tyler Lockett, Dareke Young, and Rashid Shaheed are a few examples of players who with the Seahawks contributed to the receiving game and return game. Henderson figures to be a contributor on special teams, and stated that special teams is a big part of his game.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr, WR, #1
- Alexandre Castro (@alexcastrofilho) May 16, 2026
Averaged 22.8 yards per kick return in college, including a 94-yard touchdown in 2025 pic.twitter.com/vliqOrUtih
Coach Mike wants players who are leaders and are hard workers, not letting outside distraction nor ego get ahead of what's best for the team. Henderson is that kind of player. As the oldest of six siblings, he has been a leader in his family, and was a role model for his siblings. Through his times at both Alabama and Kansas, he worked hard every practice to make a name for himself, moving from running back in high school, to wide receiver at Alabama, and contributing to special teams. He did not let his lack of production at Alabama discourage him from his goal, and instead continued to work hard, and then went to Kansas where he continued to show off his talents. He is also is willing to get his hands dirty as a receiver and run block which is very key for the Seahawk offense which is run heavy.
That mentality to do what is needed to best help the team as well as continue to grind both in games and on the practice field is something that falls in line with the Seahawks philosophy of Mind over BS.
Come for the Daniel Hishaw Jr. rushing score- stay for the block from Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
- Kole Emplit (@KoleEmplit) August 30, 2025
That's how a wide receiver blocks pic.twitter.com/ShVgokt0dz
At 6'1" and 185lbs, he is not the biggest receiver. He ran a 4.44 second 40 yard dash, 2.59 second 20 yard split, and 1.56 second 10 yard split. Henderson's speed and vision is his best tool in his toolkit, which helps him in the return game and with go routes. He has a Relative Athletic Score of 6.37, which per their metrics is Okay." Per PFSN his closest athletic testing comp was Jerry Jeudy, his size measurement comp was Tre Turner, and an overall comp was Ladd McConkey. Not bad comps for Henderson, but they do not guarantee success. With the depth in the wide receiver room, it will be difficult for him to get an offensive role right away, and will need to make a name for himself on special teams to make the 53-man roster.
Dane Brugler's profile on Henderson in The Beast notes that he played both defensive back and running back early on in his football career growing up. Once he got to Alabama, he moved to wide receiver, but had a hard time getting reps till he transferred to Kansas, where he made an impact as a receiver, returner and gunner, notching 14 tackles on special teams. The experience with multiple positions on offense, defense and special teams goes along with Mike's philosophy of having players, and coaches too, with a variety of experience. Dane's evaluation of the former Jayhawk boiled down to ensuring that, his speed can be weaponized in the right role, and his special teams impact will be an important aspect of his NFL projection," which backs what was stated earlier that special teams will be key for Henderson.
Jalen Milroe was teammates with Emmanuel Henderson Jr at Bama
- Seatalksports (@LETSSEATALK) April 26, 2026
2 reunite in Seattle #gohawks#Seahawks#Nfldraft#RollTidepic.twitter.com/wITHWaKVQb
Emory Hunt in his Draft Guide observes that Henderson was an, Impactful kickoff return specialist because of his ability to hit his cruising speed pretty quickly," backing Dane's evaluation. Both Dane and Emory mention Henderson's ability to be a deep threat due to his long speed, being ranked second in the Power Four with four receptions of over 50 yards in 2025. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Horton and Shaheed being deep threats themselves, Henderson could be a safety net should any of them get injured. He will be competing with Cody White, Ricky White III, Velus Jones Jr, Irvin Charles, and Montorie Foster Jr for the wide receiver six position on the roster. If Henderson does not make the roster, he could be a valuable part of the practice squad as long as another team does not snatch him up. He could be called up on game days to be a part of the special teams, and certain packages that call for multiple deep threats. Sam Darnold throwing to Horton, JSN, Shaheed and Henderson on go route plays (vertical plays where the receiver sprints down the field) would be a sight to see.
The newest addition: Emmanuel Henderson Jr. @emmanuelhende17pic.twitter.com/YDC7ZKEoRV
- Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 25, 2026
With the depth the Seahawks have at wide receiver, it will be tough for Henderson. It'll likely come down to what he can do as a returner and/or a gunner. OTA's (Organized Team Activities), training camp, and preseason games will be important for Henderson to show off his skillset to the coaching staff. Hoping for the best for the young man.