After a trade with the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Commanders moved up 15 positions in the 2023 NFL draft to No. 137 overall to select Clemson defensive end, K.J. Henry.
Henry joins a Washington team that has its top-five defensive ends slated for free agency in 2024. Starters Montez Sweat and Chase Young, as well as reserves James Smith-Williams, Efe Obada and Casey Toohill, are all unrestricted free agents after the 2023 season.
After redshirting his first season in 2018, Henry was a rotational player on Clemson’s loaded defensive line for three seasons before becoming a full-time starter in 2022. It results in his best season, where he produced 51 tackles, including nine for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also defended six passes.
Henry was also a permanent team captain with high character, something that always matters to Washington head coach Ron Rivera.
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