Former Michigan Wolverines starter becomes the first 2024 NFL Draft pick to be released from the class

The Michigan Wolverines almost set the NFL record for most draft picks selected in one class after going 15-0 and winning the National Championship. Their 13 drafted players seemed to land in advantageous situations. However, the Houston Texans released the first of all 2024 NFL Draft picks, and it happened to be a Wolverine.

Houston Texans Release Former Michigan OL LaDarius Henderson

The Houston Texans have made headlines by releasing their 2024 NFL Draft pick, former Michigan offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson. Henderson, who was selected in the 7th round of the April draft, is the first draft pick to be cut from a team from the class.

He was released with a non-football injury designation, raising speculation about his future and potential placement on injured reserve if he clears waivers. Typically, NFL draft picks make it through the pre-season, making this early release unusual. In his time at Michigan, Henderson became known as a big offensive lineman who played under Jim Harbaugh.

Reports suggest that the Texans have brought in veteran offensive lineman Cam Erving for a workout, indicating their proactive approach to filling the gap that Henderson left. Erving has an impressive career record, having played in 98 games and started 58 of them.

Henderson is an offensive tackle with decent athletic and above-average physical traits, but his game tape doesn't show enough consistency. Henderson's size and length will check boxes, but his play against Iowa, Alabama, and opponents at the Senior Bowl left much to be desired.

He needs to improve his anchor strength in protection, but he has enough lower-body drive to generate some movement in the run game. Ultimately, excessive mental mistakes and a lack of instincts will be hard for offensive line coaches to overlook.

While Henderson may end up on IR or the practice squad, he'll be far from the first 2024 NFL Draft pick to look for employment elsewhere once training camp begins. We'll see a good number of Day 3 selections fail to make active gameday rosters, which is a byproduct of how money allocation plays a part in roster construction.