Commanders Rookie KJ Henry Wants to 'Earn Everything'

The Washington Commanders selected Clemson defensive end KJ Henry in the fifth round, and the rookie doesn't want anything handed to him as his NFL journey begins.

The Washington Commanders added some defensive players with their draft selections, with defensive end KJ Henry one that stands out ... simply because of his mindset.

With Chase Young's future up in the air after the franchise opted against picking up his fifth-year option, Henry may have a chance to ease his way into Jack Del Rio's rotation. But he doesn't want anything the easy way.

"I wanna earn everything," Henry said. "I know I'll have to but I'm excited to get that opportunity to do it all over again. Earn the respect of my teammates, my coaches, and everybody in the organization. But, you know, as a player, I'm gonna bring great versatility to the field. Maximum every single play and just excited to help us win. Whatever aspect that's called for me on the field, special teams defense, just any position in order to bring us dubs next year."

That is precisely what the Commanders coaching staff will want to hear.

Coming into a team that already has some serious pass rushers in Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Efe Obada (not even mentioning Young), Henry will need to prove himself this offseason to show he warrants snaps next season.

But while those mentioned above are technically his competition, Henry also realizes the potential for learning from some of the best in the business.

"Ready to earn my way, earn my spot, Henry said. "But also at the same time, I'm also gonna be wanting to learn and wanting to be a better version of myself every single day and in order to do that, I have to open my ears and take advice from others, so that's just gonna be the same mindset that I come in with.”

With Young's future now uncertain and the Commanders needing more of a pass rush, there is an opportunity for Henry to work his way into calculations next season.

But he doesn't want it easy. He wants to earn it, which will be music to Del Rio's ears.

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