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2020 NFL Draft: Prospect Studs and Duds After Week One

By Chris Ross

IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes puts pressure in the first half on quaterback Brett Gabbert #5 of the Miami Ohio RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- AUGUST 31: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes puts pressure in the first half on quaterback Brett Gabbert #5 of the Miami Ohio RedHawks on August 31, 2019 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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CJ Henderson, Florida
GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 03: Emanuel Hall #84 of the Missouri Tigers makes a reception against CJ Henderson #5 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Dud: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

Though he technically played in “Week Zero”, C.J. Henderson’s poor performance in that game still counts for our purposes here. Seen as one of the country’s best corners, Henderson’s talent in coverage is undeniable. As a lengthy corner with smooth athleticism, Henderson can hold up physically with bigger receivers while not being thrown off by the agility of smaller receivers.

The problem, however, is that, as good as he is in coverage, Henderson is devastatingly poor in run support. Whether it’s a lack of effort or just simply a lack of aggressiveness, Henderson is unable to hold up against the run and it was exposed against Miami on more than one occasion. Like the other players listed, Henderson’s NFL future won’t be determined by one game, however, the lack of effort is worrisome moving forward.

While it’s important to scout the player and not the school they come from, Florida’s recent NFL track record, especially in the secondary, has not been promising. From Vernon Hargreaves to Teez Tabor and Duke Dawson, it seems that in recent years, defensive backs from Florida have been doomed in the NFL. Henderson is already a better athlete than any of those aforementioned players, but he can’t afford to have the type of performances he had in what was a big Week Zero matchup.

Henderson remains in incredibly talented prospect, with a bright NFL future, it’s just time for his run support to improve to even a mediocre level. The good news is that despite his tackling issues, Henderson remained stingy in coverage for the most part and seems primed to enjoy another season as Florida’s best defensive back. Expect a major bounce-back from this big game disappointment.

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