2020 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings stockpile defense in 7-round mock

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 09: CJ Henderson #1 of the Florida Gators runs for yardage during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Round 1, Pick 25: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

For years, Xavier Rhodes has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has 372 career tackles, 73 pass defenses, 10 interceptions, and three forced fumbles in his seven-year career. Rhodes has also been named to three Pro Bowls, including this past season. However, he shouldn’t have made it this year.

Rhodes being selected to the team proves the Pro Bowl is still a popularity contest because he had a significant drop off in production. Not only did he have no interceptions for the first time since his rookie season, but Pro Football Focus (subscription required) gave him a grade of just 47.9, which was the worst of his career. It also ranked him No. 108 overall at his position.

Now, none of that is being said to tear Rhodes apart, but instead to highlight the fact that despite having a big-name at the position, cornerback is a huge need for them in this 2020 NFL Draft — especially with Mike Hughes being unable to stay healthy so far.

With all that being said, the Vikings grab C.J. Henderson out of Florida with their first-round pick in this 2020 NFL Draft. Henderson is listed at 6-foot-1 and 202-pounds which gives him the size teams love. His length, speed, and ball skills should make him a fan favorite as well.

He should be a starter rather quickly but will need to work on his tackling, which is true of many young cornerbacks entering the NFL.

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