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Jaguars are shopping 2020 first-round pick C.J. Henderson

By Brad Berreman

Sep 13, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson (23) runs to the bench during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback C.J. Henderson (23) runs to the bench during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just one year he was drafted in the first round, the Jaguars may be willing to trade cornerback C.J. Henderson.

Urban Meyer is trying to put his stamp on the Jacksonville Jaguars with some sense of urgency, which puts some tough decisions on the table. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, multiple executives around the NFL believe cornerback C.J. Henderson is available via trade.

Fowler was quick to add things are good between the two sides, and as Henderson comes off the COVID-19 list he could stay put. It comes down to the Jaguars liking their cornerbacks, and the assumption Henderson will draw interest.

The Jaguars took Henderson ninth overall in the 2020 draft out of the University of Florida. He started all eight games he played as a rookie, before a groin injury ended his season, with 36 total tackles, one interception, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. Of course he was drafted by the previous regime in Jacksonville, but that doesn’t appear to be a prominent factor in his perceived availability.

Do the Jaguars really have the cornerback depth to deal C.J. Henderson?

Jacksonville made two notable additions at corner this offseason, signing Shaquill Griffin to a three-year, $44.5 million deal and drafting Tyson Campbell in the second round. With Henderson as a projected starter, Tre Herndon, Sidney Jones are other notable names on the depth chart with a group of younger guys down the pecking order.

The Jaguars had the league’s 27th-ranked pass defense last year (264.4 yards per game), with the third-highest passer rating allowed (105.6) as they allowed 11.7 yards per completion (tied for fourth-worst in the league). So they need all the talent they can get in the secondary, even with the additions of Griffin and Campbell. Trading a first-round pick from a year ago would deplete the talent base.

The Jaguars will get offers for Henderson, if they haven’t gotten some already. If he is traded and thrives elsewhere instantly, the questions about Meyer as an NFL coach and roster evaluator will be easy.

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