5 overlooked Panthers players who can make a big impact in 2022

CJ Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB

CJ Henderson is beginning to approach bust territory if he doesn’t have a big year this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars gave up on the top-10 pick in 2020 pretty quickly last year in a trade with the Carolina Panthers and while they didn’t utilize him much, this season will be pivotal for the player with Stephon Gilmore no longer around.

The Panthers top corners are Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn. This means Henderson has to make the most of his playing time when rotated in on defense.

Still just 23 years old, Henderson can still prove doubters wrong. But right now, he is being overlooked and this predicament is something that could work in his favor providing Steve Wilks can work his magic with the Florida product this offseason.

Henderson has to prove why his fifth-year contract option should be picked up. If he doesn’t, then production must be good enough to convince another team to take a chance on him.

Obviously, Carolina saw something in Henderson to make a very questionable trade. But with Horn back from injury and Jackson on a new contract, the stakes could not be higher.

Henderson does Wilks to lean on, who is one of the best defensive backs coaches in the business. Maybe a fresh face who has had success in the NFL does him well.