Jaguars pass on CJ Henderson, take pass rusher at No. 9 in 2020 NFL Draft redo

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted C.J. Henderson entered the 2020 NFL Draft hoping to get enough difference-makers to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence. Instead, they came out with a handful of players who barely made an impact. One of those players was cornerback C.J. Henderson, who was traded less than two years after going ninth overall. The Jags rectify the mistake by taking Chase Young in The 33rd Team's latest do-over.

Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team redid the 2020 draft and had the Jaguars taking Young over Henderson, noting that he would've given their pass rush a much needed boost.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars are still trying to figure out their pass rush situation deep into the 2023 season, so any upside from Young would be welcomed. Since 2020, Jacksonville ranks 18th in pressure rate but just 31st in sack rate."

Young is the first defender to go Pizzuta's do-over. Several teams had the same pick. The Cincinnati Bengals chose Joe Burrow with the top selection again while the Miami Dolphins went with Tua Tagovaloa at No. 5. The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns once again drafted offensive tackles Andrew Thomas and Jedrick Willis Jr. at No. 4 and 10, respectively. However, the Washington Commanders went on a different route and picked Justin Herbert second overall, which is why Young was available at No. 9.

Young had an impact right off the bat, registering 7.5 sacks, four passes defensed and four forced fumbles, including one returned for a touchdown, as a rookie. Injuries limited him to 14 games the following two years but he's bounced back in 2023, logging seven sacks and 58 total pressures.

While the Ohio State product has yet to reach elite status among edge rushers, he would've been a fresh breath of air in Jacksonville. In fact, the Jags had a chance to acquire him at this year's trade deadline but they weren't aggressive enough in their pursuit. the San Francisco 49ers swooped in and traded for him.

Meanwhile, Henderson has had an underwhelming NFL career. The Jags drafted him with the expectation that he would replace Jalen Ramsey, whom they traded the year before. Granted, Henderson flashed early in his rookie season but a groin injury cut it short after just nine games. Things didn't get much better for the former Florida Gator in 2021.

He underwent labrum surgery early in the offseason and was placed on the COVID reserve list just before training camp started. He eventually made his way back but once again left, this time for personal reasons. Once the 2021 started, a groin injury held him back. The Jaguars' brass had seen enough by them and traded Henderson to the Carolina Panthers after Week 3 in exchange for tight end Dan Arnold and a third-round selection.

Chase Young would've been a much better pick for the Jaguars in 2020

In Carolina, Henderson has appeared in 38 games with 22 starts, logging two interceptions and 10 passes defensed. While he's been serviceable, he's not turned into the shutdown corner the Jags envisioned when they drafted him ninth overall. This is why Chase Young would've been a considerably better pick if he had been available.

By taking Chase Young, the Jaguars wouldn't have needed to draft K'Lavon Chaisson at No. 20. Like C.J. Henderson, Chaisson has been a disappointment. Expected to round out a rotation that included 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year Josh Allen, Yannick Ngakoue, and Calais Campbell, Chaisson was pressed into a bigger role when Ngakoue and Campbell were traded.

Compounding the issue was that Chaisson was making the transition to a 4-3 defensive end after rushing the passer from a standup position in college. To nobody's surprise, he was a non-factor as a rookie, posting just one sack and 29 total pressures. The player known as Swiper returned to his more natural outside linebacker spot in 2021 but he once again failed to do much of note. By the midpoint of the season, he was the subject of trade talks.

Chaisson ultimately remained in Jacksonville but his lack of impact led to the selection of Travon Walker in 2022. Even with a new regime in place, Chaisson once again faltered. This season has been much of the same for him. Although he's No. 3 behind Allen and Walker, he's not providing much pass rush, so it's hard to imagine him returning when he becomes a free agent next year.

There's a chance the Jacksonville Jaguars would've still gone 1-15 in 2020 even if they had drafted Chase Young. Simply, they weren't a good team that year, but their pass rush would've at least been a bit better.

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