Former Jags DB Will Blackmon shares his thoughts on C.J. Henderson

Former Jags DB Will Blackmon is a fan of C.J. Henderson’s skill set and believes the proper coaching will help him flourish more heading forward.

After a rookie season that was cut short by a groin injury, second-year Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson will have many eyes watching him. As is the case with many rookies, there were highs and lows for the 2020 first-round selection, but the highs left fans optimistic though he played in just eight games.

After having a chance to talk to former Jags defensive back Will Blackmon in our last episode of “Bleav in the Jags,” it’s clear that Jags fans aren’t alone in their thoughts towards Henderson. The former Super Bowl XLVI champion, who knows Henderson, spoke highly of his demeanor and elaborated on a key he feels would elevate Henderson’s game.

“I actually got to spend a lot of time with C.J. in Texas because Deion Sanders had his camp there and invited me down there to coach where he had C.J. there as a guest.” Blackmon said. “So he and I got to talking and my prediction was for C.J. to actually go to Jacksonville.

I just loved his maturity as a player. He kind of reminded me [in terms of his demeanor] of like a Charles Woodson. Just his presence and how he is, obviously Charles was a different player. But I’d like for C.J., for himself, to do well. He just has to be around the right person and coach to succeed. That’s the biggest thing because a lot of guys disappear and a lot of people don’t realize it, but coaching is a huge factor.”

The point Blackmon made about Henderson’s maturity is an excellent one when reflecting on the 2020 season. This was displayed in his first, second, and eighth games where he shined and gave fans who were paying close attention optimism.

Week 1, against the Indianapolis Colts, Henderson acquired the second-highest grade (84.2) of any rookie from the 2020 draft class, according to Pro Football Focus. That came after he had five tackles, three pass breakups, and a pick against a player who the Jags often struggled against in Philip Rivers.

Afterward, in Week 2’s game against the Tennessee Titans, Henderson showed off his tackling ability by bringing Derrick Henry down in a few one-on-one situations. While he did give up a touchdown to Corey Davis, he remained poised through the game and made plays when the Titans came his way.

Henderson also had a notable week against the Green Bay Packers Week 10. He only allowed four catches out of six targets for 42 yards and also caused a fumble on star receiver Davante Adams. Instead of folding against a Hall-of-Famer in Aaron Rodgers, Henderson was a defensive standout at Lambeau Field, which ended up being his last game of the season due to his injury.

As for the coaching aspect of things, there was a staff change in Jacksonville with Urban Meyer taking over. He brought in one of his former college assistants, Chris Ash, as the Jags defensive backs and safeties coach, who is entering the NFL for the first time. However, with Ash coaching in the collegiate realm from 1997-2020, he should know how to relate to young players.

Another plus for Henderson could be the return of cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, who was with Henderson last year. He’s one of the members Meyer felt comfortable with retaining, and the familiarity between him and Henderson can only help.

Heading forward, it will be interesting to see if Henderson can build off his high moments as a rookie while learning from the lows. With the Jags having ample cap space, there will be improvements made in the trenches and within his group (the secondary), which should help him to take the step he’s proven to be capable of.

Podcast: Discussions on Urban Meyer, free agency, and more with former Jags DB Will Blackmon

The Jags Wire sat down with former Jags DB Will Blackmon who had some interesting takes on the team’s outlook.

Episode 60 marked another productive recording for the “Bleav in the Jags” podcast.

This week, Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and myself sat down with former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back, Super Bowl champion, and host of the “Wine MVP,” podcast Will Blackmon. As usual, it was a quality conversation where we discussed a variety of topics.

With the draft coming up, Blackmon shared his thoughts on Trevor Lawrence, and Washington cornerback Keith Taylor Jr. Blackmon also discussed several members on the Jags’ current team like C.J. Henderson, their receivers group, and new coach Urban Meyer. Additionally, he discussed the free agency strategy the Jags should use as they have the most cap space in the NFL.

The full episode can be heard below in the media player, while our archived episodes can be revisited here.

Feel free to subscribe to “Bleav in the Jags” via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Former Jags CB Will Blackmon shares story of how he once became team’s emergency WR

Former Jags veteran Will Blackmon started in over 10 games at corner but was close to seeing some time at receiver, too, under Gus Bradley

For both players and fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars, there weren’t many fun times to reflect on during the Gus Bradley era as the team garnered a 14–48 (.226) record in just under four full seasons. The team was one plagued with draft busts from the past tenure alongside the infancy of Bradley’s head coaching career and Dave Caldwell’s general manager career.

There were also times where off the field things like Justin Blackmon’s trouble with the law and injuries hurt the roster, which pretty much needed to be at 100% (or close to it) to win games. In fact, there was a point where the Jags were so bad off in terms of receiver availability to the point where they gave cornerback Will Blackmon practice snaps at receiver for an emergency situation.

In a Twitter post by the former Jags veteran, Blackmon reflected on his time at receiver and jokingly went into details of how he struggled with the arm strength of then quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Thankfully, Blackmon didn’t have to line up at receiver but at least we know Bradley was prepared for anything.

Ultimately, Blackmon registered five career punt returns in Jacksonville and 12 starts at cornerback. Afterward, he spent time with the Washington Football team where he registered 16 more starts from 2015-16.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

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Former NFL player Will Blackmon has a new career as the NFL Wine Guy

In retirement, former NFL player Will Blackmon is studying wine instead of plays. He’s dubbed himself the NFL Wine Guy and created a wine concierge service.

In retirement, former NFL player Will Blackmon is studying wine instead of plays. He’s dubbed himself the NFL Wine Guy and created a wine concierge service.