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Falcons 2020 NFL Draft scouting report : C.J. Henderson

Reviewing a top tier CB in a fairly deep 2020 Draft class.

By EverettGlaze
NCAA Football: Florida at Miami Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

We’re less than a month away from the NFL draft, and the needs of the Falcons have shifted quite a lot with the release of Desmond Trufant and their many signings. The Falcons are in need of a number one cornerback, so we’re going to take a look at another CB in the 2020 Draft: C.J. Henderson.

Henderson had a really good showing his senior year at the University of Florida as a first-team All-SEC selection with 11 pass breakups and 33 tackles. Henderson actually played quite well his entire tenure with the Florida Gator, and his combine performance is what really cemented his position as a Round 1 corner in the NFL Draft.

Strengths

  • Great size and length for the position (6’1”, 204 lbs and 31 5/8 inch arms)
  • Plus athlete with good long speed (4.39 40 yard dash)
  • Good ability to press receivers to halt their release at the line of scrimmage
  • Good footwork to mirror receivers
  • As evinced by his speed, good ability to close on receivers off of their breaks as well as able to cover 9 routes
  • Does well with limiting yards after the catch with his ability to close
  • Plays with good anticipation
  • Not afraid to ‘get dirty’ in run support

Weaknesses

  • Has a tendency to get a bit grabby when pressing
  • Can lose track of the ball when back is to the QB
  • Needs to work more on recognizing route concepts in front of him
  • Great athlete, but depends on his athleticism a bit too much
  • Although not afraid to tackle, technique is sloppy

CJ Henderson just may be the ideal Dan Quinn candidate. His size, length and speed are characteristics that Quinn covets in his outside corners. He’s a better man corner than zone, but he’s shown the ability to play both when needed.

I do think he can get grabby at times, but given his athleticism and ability to take coaching, that can easily get corrected at the next level. As I fully expect the Falcons to go cornerback at some point in the draft, I don’t think they could go wrong by drafting Henderson and starting him immediately.

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