LA Tech WR Carlos Henderson declares for the 2017 NFL Draft

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After a stellar season in which he was named Conference USA Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year racking up 82 receptions for 1,535 yards and 19 touchdowns Carlos Henderson has declared for the 2017 NFL Draft after his redshirt junior season at Louisiana Tech.

To put his junior season into perspective, as a sophomore, Henderson had 36 catches for 774 yards and 5 touchdowns. On his career he caught 147 passes for 2,878 yards and 28 touchdowns.

After speaking with draft expert Mike Detillier last week prior to Tech's Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Detillier told BleedTechBlue.com if Henderson were to leave early he graded him as a third round pick.

"Carlos is a big play wide receiver, but he also excels in the short to medium areas of the field," Detillier told BleedTechBlue.com Tuesday after Henderson formally announced he was entering the draft. "[Henderson has] first rate run after the catch skills and his versatility as a returner is a big plus. Currently, I have him ranked 65th overall on my board which projects as a late 2nd or early 3rd round pick. He needs to get physically stronger and improve his route running tree, but his speed and his run after catch burst are at a high level. His return skills will significantly aid his draft stock."

If Henderson can run a sub 4.4 40-yard dash for scouts, that grade could rise. His elite ability to break tackles in the open field and his acceleration are attributes every NFL General Manager will be licking his chops for.