Florida CB C.J. Henderson has a tackling problem

Florida CB and 2020 NFL Draf prospect C.J. Henderson had an opening week against the Miami Hurricanes he’d like to soon forget.

The 2020 NFL Draft may be eight months away, but a prospect’s draft stock can be impacted by early-season impressions made in August and September. In the case of Florida CB C.J. Henderson, his Week 0 performance against the Miami Hurricanes has his once promising scouting report being revisited.

There’s no question Henderson is one of the most talented cover corners in the country. And NFL defensive backs are paid to cover elite wide receivers more than anything else. But there is still a need for players like Henderson to occasionally make a play in run support, and if his game against the Hurricanes is any indication of his ability in that department, it isn’t good.

We saw how much a reputation as a poor tackler can hurt a cornerback in the 2019 NFL draft when LSU’s Greedy Williams dropped to the second round despite having first-round coverage skills. Henderson may be on that track.

“Ugly game for Florida CB CJ Henderson in run support,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler tweeted Monday. “Embarrassing effort. Soft shoulder. He has the length and cover skills that will play well in the NFL, but his tackling is a major issue.”

Henderson began the 2019 season as a top-five cornerback prospect, and while one game certainly won’t move the needle much, a red flag has definitely been raised.

Henderson can erase any doubt about his first-round pedigree if he puts Week 0’s tackling disaster behind him. A few big hits and maybe a forced fumble or two will restore his draft valuation and place him squarely in the top cornerback discussion.