Broncos wrap up draft class as WR Carlos Henderson inks rookie deal

The final piece of the Denver Broncos 2017 draft class, wide receiver Carlos Henderson, is under contract.

Henderson, one of two Broncos third-round picks in last month’s NFL Draft, tweeted out Friday a picker of him signing the contract.

#GODSCHILD officially official 😅🐅🐅 pic.twitter.com/CaBI6Lb5aM

— Carlos Henderson (@CHenderson_2) May 26, 2017

Despite making his deal “officially official” on Friday, Henderson practiced with his Broncos teammates during the team’s first set of OTAs earlier in the week, saying nothing would keep away.

“I’m dedicated to this team. They spent their draft pick on me, so I’m dedicated to working hard and dedicated I am to playing football,” Henderson said on Tuesday.

“I love football. I won’t miss a workout or practice even though I’m not signed because I’m that dedicated to helping the team by making sure I do whatever I have to do …”

Head coach Vance Joseph praised Henderson for practicing, even without a deal.

“My thoughts are, ‘Good for him.’ He wants to be out here, and that’s going to get done obviously,” Joseph said.

Joseph categorized the week’s practices as a “non-contact environment” and hoped each of his players would stay healthy.

Pro Football Focus dubbed Henderson as an “explosive player,” a sentiment Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy echoed on Thursday.

“They’re explosive players,” McCoy said of Henderson and fellow wide receiver draft pick Isaiah McKenzie.

“The most important thing right now — and it’s really the whole entire offense—is put yourself in a position come training camp to win a spot on the football team. Don’t worry about anybody else, just take care of your own job.”

Another point in Henderson’s favor, he was a star not only as a wide receiver but also on special teams at Louisiana Tech. In 2016, he was named Conference USA’s Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year.

Said Broncos special teams coordinator Brock Olivo on Wednesday:

“Love that guy. He’s got juice and he’s a linear speed guy, whereas Isaiah (McKenzie) is sort of a shifty guy, a C.O.D. (change of direction) guy. Carlos is your downhill, run behind your pads, run through smoke — as we say for kickoff returners.

“He’s got courage. That’s the type of kid we like as a kick returner. So, very, very excited about Carlos, as well. He runs angry with the ball in his hands, and we love that.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.