Daiyan Henley chasing Washington State Cougars History in 2023 NFL Draft

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Apr 24, 2023
Washington State Cougars.
Linebacker Daiyan Henley talks to the media at his 2023 Pro Day.

At the 2023 NFL Draft, Daiyan Henley is set to become one of the highest-drafted Washington State Cougars linebackers in program history. Where does he stack up?

Henley was a revelation for Jake Dickert’s Washington State Cougars in 2022. The University of Nevada transfer came to Pullman facing the monumental task of helping to replace two great linebackers, Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods.

Not only did he fill some near-impossible shoes, but he also exceeded all expectations. Henley led the Cougars in tackles (106), tackles for loss (12.0, tied with Brennan Jackson), forced fumbles (3, tied with Chau Smith-Wade and Francisco Mauigoa), and fumble recoveries (2). That outstanding production made him an All-Pac-12 First-Team selection.

By all indications, Friday will be Daiyan Henley’s day. Depending on who is doing the ratings, he is in the top three linebacker prospects on the big boards in this draft class. USA Today Draftwire has him second, while Mel Kiper of ESPN, CBS Sports, and Pro Football Focus rank Henley third.

In pass coverage, Henley is a skilled defender. He is very fast as a blitzer, displaying excellent diagnosis skills. Henley reads plays quickly and covers a lot of ground in zone. He has the speed to run down the middle seam. On dump-off passes to the flat, Henley flies into the ball-carrier and is good at making tackles in space. His size and athleticism give him the potential to play some man coverage on tight ends and backs out of the backfield.

Charlie Campbell, Walter football

Almost every mock we looked at pegged him to go in either the second or third round.

He’s been as high as 33rd overall in some mocks. Where does that stack up among past great Washington State Cougars linebackers that were drafted into the NFL?

Nine Washington State Cougars were selected in the first three rounds of the NFL draft. They are:

Third Round

  • Bob Gambold – 3rd round, 22nd overall in 1951 by the Cleveland Browns.
  • Don Parrish – 3rd round, 61st overall in 1978 by the Miami Dolphins.
  • Singor Mobley – 3rd round, 74th overall in 1995 by the Denver Broncos.
  • Lee Roy McCoy – 3rd round, 76th overall in 1984 by the Cleveland Browns.
  • Lee Blakeney – 3rd round, 77th overall in 1974 by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Second Round

  • Scott Pelluer – 2nd round, 41st overall in 1984 by the New Orleans Saints.
  • James Darling – 2nd round, 34th overall in 1997 by the Philadelphia Eagles.

First Round

  • Dan Conners – 1st round, 8th overall in 1964 by the Oakland Raiders
  • Mark Fields – 1st round, 13th overall in 1995 by the New Orleans Saints

Only five Washington State Cougars went in the top 50. In 2023, Henley should not only join that list, but he could be as high as third.

Where do you think Daiyan Henley ranks among the Cougs all-time linebackers?

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