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Cruz, Henderson Selected in 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026 6:06:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH – Two Jayhawks were selected in 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday, including Enrique Cruz Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers (Round 5, Pick 179) and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. to the Seattle Seahawks (Round 6, Pick 199).
Kansas has now had a player selected in each of the last three NFL Drafts, which is the longest streak since 1996-98. Henderson is the first Kansas wide receiver drafted since Dezmon Briscoe in round six, pick 191 in 2010, while Kansas has now had an offensive lineman drafted in each of the last three NFL Drafts, which is the longest streak since 1971-73.
Cruz, a native of Chicago, Ill., earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors during the 2025 season. Cruz played and started all 12 games at right tackle for the Jayhawks. According to PFF, Cruz allowed just one sack in 354 passing snaps in 2025. Cruz joins former Jayhawk Dominick Puni on the 49ers roster.
Henderson, of Hartford, Ala., made use of his sole season in Lawrence, as he was named a First Team All-Big 12 (Kick Returner) and Third Team All-Big 12 (Wide Receiver) in 2025. Henderson led the team with 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns on the season, while adding 1,237 all-purpose yards (766 rec., 16 rush, 455 kick return). Henderson led the Big 12 Conference in kick return average at 25.3 yards per return. Henderson joins former Jayhawks Bryce Cabeldue and Logan Brown in Seattle.
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Kansas has now had a player selected in each of the last three NFL Drafts, which is the longest streak since 1996-98. Henderson is the first Kansas wide receiver drafted since Dezmon Briscoe in round six, pick 191 in 2010, while Kansas has now had an offensive lineman drafted in each of the last three NFL Drafts, which is the longest streak since 1971-73.
Cruz, a native of Chicago, Ill., earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors during the 2025 season. Cruz played and started all 12 games at right tackle for the Jayhawks. According to PFF, Cruz allowed just one sack in 354 passing snaps in 2025. Cruz joins former Jayhawk Dominick Puni on the 49ers roster.
Henderson, of Hartford, Ala., made use of his sole season in Lawrence, as he was named a First Team All-Big 12 (Kick Returner) and Third Team All-Big 12 (Wide Receiver) in 2025. Henderson led the team with 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns on the season, while adding 1,237 all-purpose yards (766 rec., 16 rush, 455 kick return). Henderson led the Big 12 Conference in kick return average at 25.3 yards per return. Henderson joins former Jayhawks Bryce Cabeldue and Logan Brown in Seattle.
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