4 players the Carolina Panthers can feel more comfortable about in 2022
By Dean Jones
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
It’s been a turbulent start to life in the NFL for C.J. Henderson. Projected to be a lockdown cornerback coming out of Florida, the former first-round pick failed to acclimatize with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was moved on for nothing more than a third-rounder and tight end Dan Arnold after just over one season and 10 games with the team.
The Carolina Panthers took their time with Henderson, bringing some confidence back into his play and ensuring he transitioned well to a different environment. Now that the player’s had a full offseason under his belt, there is a lot to like about his chances of making a bigger impact in 2022.
Henderson’s caught the eye throughout training camp. He’s had a renewed focus and working with new defensive backs coach Steve Wilks has clearly brought a positive effect.
What comes next when push comes to shove will be more telling. Henderson is projected to be the third cornerback behind Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn, so his performance levels will be key to Carolina’s secondary becoming one of the league’s best.
The talent has never been in question where Henderson is concerned. But it’s important that the third-year-pro gets off to a good start and builds from there.
If Henderson can accomplish this, then this trade could end up being a tremendous bit of business for the Panthers.