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5 ways the Panthers can go with their first round pick

By Dean Jones

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers enters the field to warm-up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers enters the field to warm-up before the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) CJ Henderson
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) CJ Henderson /

CJ Henderson – CB (Florida)

Another trade-back option for the Carolina Panthers is the enormously talented CJ Henderson. The former Florida standout came out of high school as a four-star recruit and he ended up snagging four interceptions during his freshman season with the Gators.

Henderson followed this up with two picks and 26 tackles in 2018 and although he did not come up with an interception during nine games this season, he did finish with 11 pass breakups and a sack.

At 6-foot-1, Henderson has impressive size, but he will need to work on beefing up his upper body to cope with the rigors of the NFL. The Panthers are in desperate need of reinforcements at the position, which becomes more urgent when one considers the firepower expected from other NFC South teams next season.

If Jeff Okudah is top of the cornerback prospects, then Henderson undoubtedly leads the next group. He has tremendous footwork and possesses the sort of quickness that will ensure he isn’t undone down the field.

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Rookie cornerbacks generally struggle during their first year in the NFL. It is an unforgiving position to play in from day one and if the Panthers decide to take a chance on Henderson, they will have to be convinced he has the character to step up from the outset.

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