Tag: cj henderson

7 players the Titans should sign following cut day

We look at seven players the Titans should pursue.

Tuesday marked the deadline for each NFL team to cut their roster down to 53 players.

That means every team had difficult decisions to make, including the Tennessee Titans. The Titans’ final roster includes surprises and omits a few players that many fans and analysts have predicted to be on it.

For example, the team’s initial 53-man roster includes five tight ends, a whopping seven inside linebackers, and just four corners and three running backs.

Of course, this roster will change again before the regular season kicks off. With every team cutting 30+ players, the Titans will see if any of those players fit on their roster.

Now, let’s identify seven players who were released or waived who could fit on this Titans’ roster.

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

D’Onta Foreman, RB

D”Onta Foreman was released by the Cleveland Browns, and the veteran should interest the Titans. Foreman impressed as a member of the Titans in 2021, taking 133 carries for 566 yards.

Since that time, Foreman has spent a season with the Carolina Panthers and a season with the Chicago Bears. The veteran had hoped to latch on with the Browns but was unable to secure a spot on the final roster.

The Titans only kept three RBs on the roster after Hassan Haskins and Jabari Small failed to impress. With Julius Chestnut as the lone backup option, the team should consider bringing in Foreman to bolster the depth.

Carl Lawson #58 of the New York Jets. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Carl Lawson, EDGE

Carl Lawson could not crack the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, and the veteran will once again hit the open market. Lawson once signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the New York Jets, but injuries have prevented the defender from being consistent.

In 2023, Lawson was limited to six games and accumulated just five tackles. However, he had a productive pass-rushing season as recently as 2022, when he racked up seven sacks.

The Titans only kept four edge rushers on the final roster, so Lawson would provide a solid depth addition. Shane Ray was not one of the edge rushers kept around, so a veteran presence would be nice.

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback CJ Henderson (23) and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (10). Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

CJ Henderson, CB

The Titans gave up on one former first-round cornerback, so why not take a gamble on another? The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted CJ Henderson in the top ten of the 2020 NFL draft, and his career has not gone according to plan thus far.

Henderson was traded to the Carolina Panthers after just one season in Jacksonville, and the corner’s play never lived up to his draft pedigree. However, the Titans only kept four corners, and a young corner like Henderson may fit in perfectly behind L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie.

Cincinnati Bengals guard Jackson Carman (79). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson Carman, OL

Jackson Carman is another highly-drafted player who has disappointed to this point in the NFL. Carman was a second-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft but has only started in six games.

The Bengals cut bait on Carman, but the Titans could be interested. On the initial roster, the team kept John Ojukwu and Jaelyn Duncan as backup tackles, which shouldn’t inspire much confidence.

Perhaps Brian Callahan saw enough during his time with Carman to take a chance.

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Travis Bell (73). Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Bell, DT

Travis Bell is another former Bengal who should interest the Titans. The defensive lineman was a seventh-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears last year but has already played on three different rosters.

However, Bell is still an intriguing prospect. The 6’0″, 310-pound DT was the first player to be drafted out of Kennesaw State and flashed preseason ability as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher.

The Titans do not have much depth on the defensive line. Keondre Coburn is the only reserve on the roster right now, so high-upside additions would be smart.

Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Royce Newman (70). Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Newman, G

As mentioned above, the Titans’ backup offensive linemen don’t inspire much confidence. The team kept Daniel Brunskill and Andrew Rupcich to back up on the interior after Saahdiq Charles’s retirement threw a wrench in the team’s plans.

Currently, Dillon Radunz is slated to start at right guard, with Brunskill and Rupcich as backup options. Adding Royce Newman would give the team a capable option who could fill in at a moment’s notice.

Newman has delivered acceptable results in 24 career starts. The lineman would greatly improve the Titans’ depth.

Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans (21). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Evans, RB

Zach Evans was a surprise cut by the Los Angeles Rams. The 2023 sixth-round pick impressed in the preseason, scoring two TDs in the finale.

Evans will now hit the waiver wire after just one season in LA. As mentioned previously, the Titans could use reinforcements at RB. Even though Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears will get the bulk of the carries, having just one depth option probably isn’t wise.

Evans would be a high-upside claim by the Titans, providing insurance in case Pollard or Spears get injured.

Two former Gators ‘running out of chances’ heading into 2024

A pair of former first-round picks out of the University of Florida enter the 2024 NFL season facing uncertainty.

More than 40 former Florida Gators are in NFL training camps a month out from the 2024 regular season, but a couple of names on that list are in jeopardy of hitting free agency sooner than they would like.

USA TODAY NFL reporter Nate Davis broke down 24 former first-round picks who are running out of chances heading into the season, and he named cornerbacks [autotag]Kaiir Elam[/autotag] and [autotag]CJ Henderson[/autotag].

Elam was drafted in 2022 but hasn’t seen many snaps with the Buffalo Bills since. He played around 100 snaps in each of his first two seasons despite spending a good chunk of 2023 on injured reserve.

He’s still in the mix, especially with Tre’Davious White out of the picture, but 2022 sixth-rounder Christian Benford has passed Elam by for the starting job. There’s also Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson on the roster. Both are considered starting-caliber corners, meaning Elam could be as low as fourth on the depth chart.

“Heading into his third season, (Elam) has yet to distinguish himself (8 career starts) and currently doesn’t seem ticketed for much more than dime and special teams duties until circumstances evolve or his play improves,” said Davis.

Henderson is only four years removed from a Gators uniform, but he’s already an NFL journeyman. He’s entering Year 4 as a Houston Texan, but there’s no guarantee he will make the team.

Davis groups Henderson with former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, who is the highest-drafted cornerback (3rd overall by Detroit) in NFL history.

“They’re fortunate to play a position that’s always in demand and requires elite athletes. Yet neither is guaranteed to make the Texans’ 53-man roster or hardly a lock to continue knocking around the league hoping their draft pedigree gets them additional tryouts.”

It’s a brutal reality that most NFL careers don’t last longer than three years — 3.3 years being the average — and this could be the swan song for both former Gators mentioned above.

Elam is the more likely candidate to get another shot if Buffalo decides to cut him. He could always be part of a trade package to a team less stocked with young secondary players.

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Who are the Texans starting nickel defender options entering 2024?

Houston Texans second round pick Kamari Lassiter has been the star of minicamp, and his rising star as an outside corner leaves the question of who will play the nickel spot?

It’s June, and full pads have yet to enter the mix, but former Georgia star Kamari Lassiter has been the Houston Texans’ mandatory minicamp star.

Many anticipated the second-round pick would play shift inside based on his 4.6 second 40-time at UGA’s Pro Day, but he’s been wowing media and coaches working on the outside. 

There’s still a possibility that Lassier slides into the nickel spot once training camp begins next month, but if he continues to impress, he’ll stay a fixture opposite of Derek Stingley Jr. Even after signing several free agents, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans is a practicer of the “right man for the job” method.

If Lassiter fits the mold outside, what are the Texans’ options in the slot?

Desmond King seems to be the most logical option entering camp. After being waived before the start of the season, he returned to Houston and started five games, including two in the postseason.

Among eligible nickel corners, King ranked 12th in passer rating when targeted at 89.8, according to Pro Football Focus. He also served as a necessary element in the Texans’ return game.

 

Just because King started doesn’t mean he was the elite. Teams went after King, averaging 5.4 snaps per target and 6.3 per reception, the latter of which was the worst in the league.

And King, who turns 30 this December, might not be viewed as a long-term option near the line of scrimmage. A position switch to safety could be in the works should he make the final 53-man squad.

Myles Bryant was an under-the-radar free agent signing after a four-year stay in New England. Texans general manager Nick Caserio quickly signed him while working in the Patriots’ front office and did the same once Bryant became a free agent.

Even though New England elected not to re-sign the 26-year-old, Bryant found a way to make the active roster as an undrafted free agent out of Washington. And no, this wasn’t one of those backup-only types.

Bryant played in 55 total games and started 17 in the nickel.  Last season, he started a career-high nine games, recording 77 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Bryant also played clean football, recording 443 coverage snaps without a penalty after being flagged twice in the first three games.

The Texans tied the Philadelphia Eagles for the league lead in defensive pass interference calls last season, making Bryant’s addition more than welcomed.

Houston’s final listed nickel cornerback on the team’s depth chart is D’Angelo Ross, though it’s hard to imagine a player with 50 career coverage snaps pushing for a starting spot.

Lassiter may have to play the nickel out of necessity. In that scenario, Houston, barring a late free agent signing, would turn to Jeff Okudah or C.J. Henderson.

Lassiter played in the slot during his freshman campaign in Athens, albeit in limited playing time. Over the next two seasons, he became one of the stickiest defenders in college football, allowing the fewest completions and the second-lowest completion percentage among FBS defensive backs.

As an All-SEC defender in 2023, Lassiter surrendered 136 yards on 15 catches last season with Georgia. Opponents completed just 38.5% of passes when targeting receivers covered the Alabama native. 

The Texans looked past Lassiter’s 40-time and looked at other measurables. An area of strength for the “Locksmith” came in the three-cone drill, where he posted the fastest time (6.62) of any defensive back at the combine. 

It’ll be an evolving story throughout the offseason as the Texans look to improve their pass defense, which conceded the 10th-most yards through the air last season.

TeX’s and O’s: Texans gamble on coaching and upside at cornerback

The Texans have forged ahead with a new vision for DeMeco Ryans’ defense, most notably at cornerback.

It’s an unconventional strategy.

Many NFL teams who overachieve are prone to double down on their recipe for the following season. It’s hard to stray away from the formula that brought unexpected success and instead go onto a different and unknown path. The New York Giants are a notable example with their massive extension to quarterback Daniel Jones that, despite evidence it may not be the wisest idea, felt necessary after they made the playoffs in 2022.

The Houston Texans have done the exact opposite. Instead of doubling down and re-signing key players, they’ve forged ahead with a new vision for head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense despite a strong finish at 10-7 and a playoff victory in his debut season. The team appears willing to take risks for a Super Bowl run rather than merely sit content with their 2023 success.

Nowhere is that more evident than at cornerback.

Steven Nelson had an incredible 2023 season as the Texans’ starting cornerback across from sophomore breakout star Derek Stingley Jr. He started 16 games and had a career-high four interceptions, five including his incredible postseason pick-six of Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Joe Flacco in the wild-card round. Nelson provided consistent, above-average cornerback play and was admirable in filling in during Stingley’s mid-season absence.

Rather than bring back that known commodity, Houston opted to go in a different direction. Nelson would have been one of the more expensive free agent cornerback signings and also represents a potential declining asset who is 31. Instead, they took two apparent dart throws at the position.

The Texans signed Atlanta Falcons free agent cornerback Jeff Okudah during the first week of free agency and Carolina Panthers free agent cornerback C.J. Henderson the week after. Those two players were, coincidentally, the first two cornerbacks drafted in the 2020 NFL draft at Nos. 3 and 9 overall, respectively.

Neither of the former top-10 picks lived up to their billing so far, though. Okudah has only two career interceptions and 13 passes defended in just 31 career starts between the Detroit Lions and the Falcons. Henderson has three interceptions and 16 passes defended in 32 starts of his own between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Panthers. Both have played for multiple coordinators, struggled to stay healthy and ultimately have been unable to provide consistent play at the NFL level.

That doesn’t scare Ryans and the Texans.

Before he was drafted, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wrote the following of Okudah:

Head coach and general manager’s dream prospect with blue-chip physical traits, mental makeup and personal character. He has size, length and foot quickness to road-block press release and elite closing burst to close catch windows or eliminate yards after catch”. His sentiment was eerily similar for Henderson, described as a “silky smooth boundary cornerback with mirror-and-match footwork and the agility and athleticism to stay connected to routes. He has NFL recovery burst and the long speed to track vertical routes downfield.

After a season that saw Texans defenders such as Nelson, Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, Christian Harris and Sheldon Rankins play some of the best football of their careers, Houston is ready to bet on themselves again. How they’ve coveted these high football trait players is a testament to how this coaching staff likely views themselves and what they believe the environment in Houston can generate.

Okudah and Henderson’s traits are evident on film. It’s believable that a staff that saw such enormous success in Year 1 may also believe they can be the first to wield these players consistently.

Okudah is a great player in man coverage and his size and speed combination is a tough draw for opposing wide receivers when he’s allowed to play simple. He’s also shown the added ability to defend when the nickel when called upon. This play of Okudah shadowing 2023 first round receiver Jordan Addison stride-for-stride before extending for a great play on the football is a great example of what Houston’s staff will look for.

Henderson has also shown flashes on film, particularly during his first year in Carolina. When he was asked to play as a No. 2 cornerback next to Jaycee Horn, he put together a career best season in Steve Wilks’ defense. His closing speed to break on the football is evident and he reads plays exceptionally well as they develop.

Both players will likely be tasked to play plenty of man coverage and quarters coverage alongside Stingley. If Stingley travels with the best receiver, as he did at the end of 2023, this assignment becomes even more straightforward. Ryans will task these talented young cornerbacks to take care of the man in front of them and play to their instincts, all while rarely facing a huge mismatch.

The scheme not only empowers their athleticism to shine but the environment with Stingley and a formidable pass rush that includes Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter will shield defensive backs to an extent on passing downs.

These players also notably fit the Houston defensive mantra of SWARM.

This shows up on Henderson’s film quite a bit. His ability to quickly read plays translates well with his willingness to tackle and kill plays that bounce to the outside. Whether it was Nico Collins, Jaylen Waddle or Jameson Williams, Henderson showed an ability to react quickly and kill screen plays. That desire and overall willingness to contribute in tackling and run support matters. There’s a similar willingness shown in Okudah who, despite being billed as a premier athlete to cover receivers, is also willing to come downhill and crash on opposing running backs.

Once you consider these thoughts, the Texans’ moves that appear to be a gamble on the surface appear far more calculated.

Coach Ryans will task two demonstrably talented and athletic corners in Okudah (6’1″, 205lb) and Henderson (6’1″, 204lb) to battle for the starting cornerback job opposite of one of the league’s premier corners. The scheme will encourage both to play fluid, fast, and take advantage of the talents that had them drafted so highly in the first place. While Stingley travels with the top receiver and the pass rush generates favorable looks, either player will be incredibly well positioned to have the best season of their career in 2024, if they can stay healthy.

Essentially, a very similar premise to the eco-system that saw great athletes like Greenard and Cashman earn huge paydays this past season. Great athletes, in good environments, are empowered to do what they do best.

While the Texans look to leap towards Super Bowl contention, these types of moves are necessary. They can’t field a team of All-Stars at every position and betting on surroundings and development will be required to maximize the roster. Surplus value has to be found and it appears the place they’ll expect it is cornerback.

Betting on DeMeco Ryans and his star-studded surrounding roster on defense, and once considered top-tier talent at the position is an avenue for general manager Nick Caserio to find just that. Fans will have to wait for training camp to see how the moves pay off.

Former Panthers CB CJ Henderson reportedly expected to sign with Texans

Former Panthers CB CJ Henderson is reportedly blasting off to Houston.

CJ Henderson has liftoff.

As first reported by ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, the former Carolina Panthers cornerback is expected to join the Houston Texans. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Henderson will be signing a one-year deal in his move further down south.

A University of Florida standout and a three-time All-SEC selection, Henderson was taken with the ninth overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His time in Duval, however, wouldn’t last long—as he played in just 10 games for the Jags between 2020 and 2021.

Henderson would be traded to the Panthers on Sept. 27, 2021—just two outings into his second pro campaign. Carolina acquired the young corner, as well as a 2022 fifth-round pick, in exchange for tight end Dan Arnold and a 2022 third-rounder.

He went on to start in 22 of his 39 games for the Panthers—totaling 97 combined tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one sack.

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2024 NFL free agency: Texans sign CB C.J. Henderson

The Houston Texans added another cornerback who was also a former first-round pick in C.J. Henderson.

The Houston Texans are collecting former 2020 first-round cornerbacks.

The Texans signed C.J. Henderson, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal is for one year and worth up to $3.25 million, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. Henderson had met with the Texans earlier on Thursday before the two signs agreed to a contract.

Henderson was the No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft — taken three picks after Jeff Okudah, who signed with the Texans earlier this offseason. Henderson played 10 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2020 to 2021 before being dealt to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2021 season. He missed the second half of his rookie year with a groin injury.

Henderson’s career production numbers haven’t been great. He tallied one interception during his time with the Jaguars before he snagged two with the Panthers in 2022. Henderson has 16 career defended passes. He started 17 games over two seasons for Carolina.

While he hasn’t been productive, Henderson fits the mold of cornerbacks head coach DeMeco Ryans likes in his secondary. He, like Okudah and 2022 first-rounder Derek Stingley Jr, is at least six feet tall and around 200 pounds. Okudah is 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, while Stingley Jr. is 6-foot and 190 pounds.

Could Okudah or Henderson solve the Texans’ hole at outside cornerback? That remains to be seen. Neither have been great starters in the NFL despite their top-10 draft status and playing on multiple teams during their careers.

At the very least, Ryans is collecting depth at a very important position with the potential to add more either in free agency, the trade market or the draft.

Panthers free-agent CB CJ Henderson reportedly visiting Texans

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, CJ Henderson is visiting with the Texans today.

CJ Henderson may be getting closer to settling into a new home.

According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, Henderson is visiting with the Houston Texans today. The 25-year-old cornerback, who is currently a free agent, spent the last three seasons as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

Henderson was a standout at the University of Florida, where he earned one first-team All-SEC nod (2019) and two second-team All-SEC nods (2017, 2018). The Miami, Fla. native went on to be selected with the ninth overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars—who ended up playing him for just 10 games.

Two outings into his second pro campaign, Henderson was shipped off to the Panthers on Sept. 27, 2021. Carolina acquired the corner and a 2022 fifth-round pick in exchange for tight end Dan Arnold and a 2022 third-rounder.

While longer than the one in Duval, his stint in Charlotte wouldn’t bring much success. Henderson started in 22 of his 39 contests for the Panthers.

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Projected market value for Panthers’ top pending free agents

Here are a few numbers for a few of the Panthers’ pending free agents:

There’s been quite a bit of talk about numbers this week, specifically in regards to outside linebacker Brian Burns. But how do the cap experts see the digits panning out?

Here, per Spotrac, are the projected market values for the Carolina Panthers’ top pending free agents:

Ranking 2024’s top 12 free-agent cornerbacks

Top cornerbacks entering free agency in the 2024 offseason

The Carolina Panthers have lacked cornerback depth for a few seasons now. Will this be the offseason where they finally address it?

Here are the top 12 free-agent cornerbacks of 2024: