Jaguars pick C.J. Henderson in 2020 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars have drafted Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

Entering the draft after three years at Florida, Henderson was widely thought of as one of the most athletic defensive backs in the draft, showcasing elite-level speed at the 2020 NFL Combine by running a 4.39 40-yard dash. Henderson is widely thought of as the second-best cornerback in this year’s class behind former Ohio State cornerback Jeffery Okudah.

With the Gators, Henderson tallied 93 tackles, six interceptions, and 20 defensed passes over the past three years, earning first team All-SEC (coaches) in 2019, and second team All-SEC for coaches along with the Associated Press over his sophomore and freshman years, respectively.

Henderson is thought to be one of the true shut-down cornerbacks in this year’s class, going toe-to-toe with prospective number one wide receiver in the 2021 class in LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Henderson allowed just 2 receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown during such matchup last season.

The Jaguars will now enter 2020 with Tre Herndon manning one side of the defense and Henderson the other. In what is thought to be a deep, but top-heavy cornerback class, the Jaguars had to pounce on one of the more talented cornerbacks in this year’s class.