Up, Down or Stay: Speedy Florida CB C.J. Henderson is a fast-riser

It wasn’t that long ago that Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson was mentioned as the likely No. 2 cornerback in the upcoming NFL draft.

Still hoping he lands to your team past pick No. 15 while drafting with On The Clock’s simulator? There’s a reason this doesn’t happen very often – Henderson just keeps rising up analysts’ draft boards.

It starts with his elite athleticism, as the 6-foot-1, 204-pound junior tested out in the 80th percentile or better in five categories, according to MockDraftable. Once you add in his playmaking ability and overall coverage skills, then you can see why scouts and analysts alike are forgiving of his perceived lack of tackling ability.

Florida CB C.J. Henderson allowed 20 catches or less in all three seasons he played. pic.twitter.com/mGEA8iqhxC

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 2, 2020

Here’s what a national scout told Charlie Campbell in the latest Walter Football Hot Press Report:

“C.J. is one of the most gifted athletic cover guys I have seen in a long time. Thought he was slam dunk top-five pick heading into the year. He had a bad year for him, but all the athletic tools are there for top-level player. Competitiveness, finish and passion were questions you had after this year’s tape. But I did not have those concerns in years prior. Most teams will bet on that they can get the player from 2017 and 2018 because all the hard to find physical tools, he possesses at a high level.”

The report goes on to say that sources from five different teams peg Henderson as a top-10 player.

If you don’t have Henderson inside your top-15 while customizing your own On The Clock big board, then it’s time to move him up the rankings.

Jake Rigdon (jake@sydwriting.com) covers the NFL draft for Fanspeak and the On The Clock, which is the only NFL draft simulator that allows you to customize and use your own big board while giving you control over trades.