Commanders Rookie DE KJ Henry 'Has Every Intangible,' Says Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney

The need for a new edge rusher was clear, but by getting Clemson defensive end KJ Henry in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders got more than just a player.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Look up a little bit of online info on new Washington Commanders defensive end KJ Henry and you'll find something out very quickly. 

Henry spent five years in the Tigers' program before becoming a fifth-round pick by the Commanders on Saturday, and during that time he appeared in 48 games, racked up 28 tackles for loss, and recorded 13 sacks.

"He has truly transformed himself as a player," Swinney says. "He's long, he's athletic, he's really strong. He's got a lot of diversity to his game...can play multiple positions... (and) really understands the game."

But he's also quite the young man who made just as big an impact off the field as he did on it while at Clemson. 

"KJ Henry is one of the best young men that's come through our program," says Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. "He'll be a leader the day he gets there...makes a difference in the community...one of those guys that makes the coaches better. He just has every intangible that you could ever want in a young person."

Henry earned a degree in sports communication in just three years and added a master's degree in athletic leadership in December of 2021. 

And that's really just the beginning of his off-field efforts. 

According to Clemson's team site, Henry was a three-time ACC Honor Roll selection, was the 2021 P.A.W. Journey P.A.T. Man of the Year Award, and worked with teammate running back Will Shipley to donate five figures towards the creation of the 1 CLEM5ON endowment that benefits the school's Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center and Clemson Athletics' "Hear Her Roar" campaign.

"I'm excited for KJ because he's worked his tail off to go from a young guy coming in here that wasn't very strong to an absolute, no-doubt NFL Draft pick and a guy that I think will help his team right out the gate," says Swinney.

And if he's right, then the Commanders are going to be happy with their newest defensive tackle.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here.