The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to find a way to replace Jalen Ramsey, who they traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The top cornerback of the class, Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, was never going to get to them at No. 9 overall.
Still, the Jags had the opportunity to upgrade with Florida’s CJ Henderson, a player that had been mocked in the top 20 on numerous occasions.
Watching #Florda's CJ Henderson match up against #LSU's Ja'marr Chase was an epic battle among top tier players.
Chase had 2 catches on 7 targets, and one 5-yard TD on CJ.. Overall, on the 26 snaps Henderson covered Chase 1 on 1, he did a Great Job. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/nSspqbPNos
— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) April 17, 2020
Playing in the SEC, Henderson played against no shortage of talent including the likely top wide receiver in the 2021 class. When matching up against Ja’Marr Chase, he held his own. Henderson brings the talent and ball skills needed in a passing league. During his time at Florida, Henderson racked up six interceptions (two for touchdowns), 20 passes defended and two forced fumbles in his three years in the swamp.
Henderson does well to play the quarterbacks eyes and make a play on the ball. He will mirror the receiver well to put himself in prime position to ensure the receiver isn’t able to make an easy reception. More than willing to stick his nose into the action and tackle the ball carrier. He shows the ability to wrap up and end the play right there.
In Jacksonville, Henderson is a day one starter across from DJ Hayden. Henderson should do well in year one under defensive coordinator Todd Wash. It wouldn’t come as a shock if he was able to put up a better rookie season than Jalen Ramsey did with two interceptions and 14 passes defended. Along with K’Lavon Chaisson, these two could be building blocks for this defense for years to come.
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