The Jacksonville Jaguars improve their secondary with C.J. Henderson
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars identify cornerback as their most pressing need by selecting Florida’s C.J. Henderson.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had many holes to fill on both sides of the football. They decided to help the secondary with the selection of C.J. Henderson, cornerback, from Florida.
It was believed Henderson might be the pick as rumors continued this week amid other news the Jaguars were still looking for a trade partner for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and the team had talked to other organizations about moving running back Leonard Fournette.
The All-SEC standout gives the Jaguars speed and length at the cornerback position and should play opposite Tre Herndon. Jacksonville opened the 2019 season with A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey as the starters. Both have since been traded.
At 6’1″ and 204 pounds, he will be asked to play in defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s scheme after starring for the Gators a short distance from Jacksonville in Gainesville.
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"“Silky smooth boundary cornerback with mirror-and-match footwork and the agility and athleticism to stay connected to routes,” writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com of his Combine performance. “He has NFL recovery burst and the long speed to track vertical routes downfield. He has the twitchy acceleration to jump a throw and take it away if the quarterback lingers on the target, and he’s quick to wrap and finish after the catch.”"
The Jaguars had multiple ways to go with this pick, especially since both Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons were chosen right in front of Henderson. The offensive line still needs depth and there is a need at edge rusher and the interior defensive line. The team could also use another playmaker at wide receiver.
Still, it was Henderson who was brought in to continue to rebuild a team that is two seasons removed from an AFC Title game.
"“Henderson is a fluid cornerback with ball skills and burst and has CB1 ability as a first-rounder,” Zierlein added."
Now, the Jaguars have another hole to fill with the 20th pick in the Draft the obtained in the deal that sent Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams during last season.