4 Carolina Panthers players who must realize their potential in 2022
By Dean Jones
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
As is the case with Ian Thomas, it appears to be now or never for C.J. Henderson. If the cornerback cannot start making more noise entering his third season, then it might not ever happen.
Henderson was a top-10 selection for a reason. His production for the Florida Gators was nothing short of exceptional and the Carolina Panthers reportedly thought long and hard about taking him at No. 7 before eventually going with Derrick Brown, instead.
Things did not go well for Henderson with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His commitment to the cause was questioned and Urban Meyer wasted little time in removing him completely from the equation for a third-round pick and tight end Dan Arnold.
It was a slow start for Henderson in Carolina. But with Stephon Gilmore no longer around, much more is anticipated from the player in 2022.
The Panthers have Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn as a potential shutdown tandem. Henderson will be competing with Keith Taylor for No. 3 on the depth chart, but plenty of reps should be coming his way regardless given how much teams like to air out the football in the modern-day game.
Henderson has reportedly looked the part during early offseason workouts. If he starts fulfilling his obvious promise, then the Panthers might end up triggering his fifth-year option, after all.