Panthers depth chart focus: Is the CB room lacking experience?

Keith Taylor & C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CBs

The CB3 and CB4 positions are something of an interesting caveat heading into the 2022 season. As with most of this room, two young players occupying these spots in C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor, who are looking to stamp their authority on the Carolina Panthers.

Two players of the same age who have had completely different starts to their time in the league.

Taylor flourished early in his rookie season on the rotation. Although he struggled later in the season, this was to be expected when the fifth-round selection suddenly found himself as CB1 covering the likes of Mike Evans and Stefon Diggs.

However, if Taylor can build on what was a promising rookie campaign he could quickly find himself as a key piece in this Panthers’ cornerback rotation.

The outlook is potentially not as bright for Henderson. He is heading into a very important third year after he was traded by the Jacksonville Jaguars last season just a season removed from being the No. 9 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.

To see a top-10 pick traded after just over a season is something of a concern. It’s also been suggested that Henderson might not love football all that much, even though this hasn’t been evident during his brief time in Carolina so far.

Now one can only hope if Henderson is suffering any inner turmoil, the player is open about it with the Panthers staff. It’s key in 2022 that people, men especially, are open in regard to their mental health.

On the field, however, this is a vitally important year for Henderson as the Panthers must decide next offseason whether to pick the player’s fifth-year option. He’s shown potential in flashes, but whether his potential lack of passion for the game may override this is yet to be determined.