The Panthers need as much help at the cornerback position as any team in the league heading into the 2020 NFL draft. They are far from the only team that could use a boost at this spot, though. Cornerbacks are critical for success in the modern, pass-heavy game – particularly in the NFC South where there’s a ludicrous number of talented wide receivers to contend with.
Based on the latest buzz surrounding next week’s draft, it sounds like the Falcons and the Panthers might have their eye on the same cornerback prospect: Florida’s C.J. Henderson.
Atlanta is in need of a new No. 1 corner after releasing Desmond Trufant. For what it’s worth, Dane Brugler at the Athletic beleives the Falcons could be looking to trade up from No. 16 in order to replace him with Henderson.
An ATL trade up for CB CJ Henderson is something to watch for… https://t.co/w8xZvQDMjB
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 15, 2020
As for the Panthers, Cecil Lammey at Football Guys says they are going to take Henderson in the top 10.
Here's the audio of Footballguys writer @CecilLammey:
"By the way, buzz that the #Panthers are gonna take [Florida CB] CJ Henderson in the top 10, just keep that in your pipe." https://t.co/7yeWP0Km0S
h/t @BlackBlueManiac pic.twitter.com/yo7CtsnJ38
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌️ (@PanthersAnalyst) April 15, 2020
Interesting stuff.
The question is if Henderson is worth being picked at No. 7. While he is one of the top cornerback prospects in this class, taking him that early would qualify as a reach. Also, with a cornerback class this deep, there’s no need to pull the trigger that early. If Jeff Okudah is there they should take him, but the Panthers can still get good value by picking a corner on Day 2.
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