It’s not every day that a first-rounder from one year prior becomes available but that may be the case. Should the Las Vegas Raiders get involved with rumors that the Jaguars would move cornerback C.J. Henderson for the right price?
Henderson is a big-time talent…
Entering the 2020 NFL draft, Henderson was widely regarded as one of the best players in the entire class. As such, he was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The plan was for him to replace superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Fast forward to 2021, however, and things are not going according to plan. Recently ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news that the team may be shopping Henderson. If true, the Raiders should certainly look into acquiring the talented corner.
While Henderson did not have the greatest rookie season ever, he still has loads of talent. Lauded for his pure man coverage ability, Henderson has ample athleticism to adapt and grow in Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme. If added to the team, Henderson would almost certainly become the starter on the boundary and allow Casey Hayward to move inside to the slot. Another thing Henderson would add is fantastic instincts and playmaking ability, something the Raiders have sorely lacked in recent years.
The same year that Henderson was drafted, the Raiders picked up their own first-round cornerback. Of course, that corner was Damon Arnette. Considered a reach, many felt the Raiders selected Arnette so highly due to the lack of options left at the position. Surely, Mike Mayock never expected Henderson to be available once again a year later but here we are. If given the opportunity, the Las Vegas front office should pull the trigger on a player who offers loads of talent and should not cost much more than a second-round pick.
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