Carolina Panthers: Alternative 7-round 2020 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Cornerback. 7. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Florida. CJHENDERSON. 87
Carolina Panthers Round 1 (No. 7) – CJ Henderson -CB (Florida)
Truth be told, the Carolina Panthers were always going to take defensive tackle Derrick Brown, if he was there at No. 7. They were overjoyed with what they saw from the player during the evaluation process. And they wasted no time in making him their first-round pick.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: Grading the Derrick Brown pick. light
Had Brown not made it to the seventh overall pick, then former Florida cornerback CJ Henderson might have been the player of choice. The Panthers draft team was reportedly very high on a prospect with shutdown potential at the next level. And they might have taken him before a luxury recruit such as Clemson’s do-it-all linebacker Isaiah Simmons.
Henderson has tremendous physical attributes for a corner. And this is matched by a supreme skill set that is sure to make a solid transition to the next level. He recently worked out with former Cincinnatti Bengals’ wide receiver Chad Johnson, who was in awe regarding what he saw from the player.
As it turned out, Henderson did not last much longer and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 9. He instantly improves a defense that could be much improved in 2020 providing they are firing on all cylinders from the off.
The Panthers will only regret this decision if Brown does not live up to his ceiling. But there is nothing to suggest he cannot become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.