Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson? Jalen McLeod rates who he would rather tackle

Derrick Henry or Lamar Jackson? That question alone could evoke fear in the hearts of NFL defenders, but former Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod was proposed a unique scenario at the NFL Combine.

While holding his conference with members of the media, one individual asked McLeod if he would rather tackle Henry in the hole or Jackson in the open field. The idea is a nightmare for any defender, but McLeod was ready.

“Derrick Henry in the hole. Definitely, definitely, I’ll take my chances on that,” said McLeod. “Lamar Jackson in space is just crazy work, but I’ll definitely take my chances with Derrick Henry.”

Be careful what you wish for, right?

On the one hand, Jackson might be tough to even get a finger on if McLeod has to make the tackle in space. The former Heisman winner at Louisville is one of the most electric rushers in all of football as the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.

Then again, trying to tackle Henry in the hole sounds like punishment waiting to happen. One of the all-time greats in Alabama football history, Henry’s combination of size and speed makes him among the most punishing runners in the league today. Even if you were to get Henry to the ground, it’s possible he would ring your bell — or worse — in the process.

Neither option is very appealing, but that’s soon going to be life in the NFL for McLeod.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.