2020 NFL Draft: Why C.J. Henderson should be first cornerback drafted

C.J. Henderson Statistics

This year, C.J. Henderson’s statistics have been down compared to his 2018 performance. On paper, this would explain why he is not being considered the premium cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft. The reason for this fall in production is attributed to an ankle injury that sidelined the young cornerback for three weeks early this season.

Even with missing three weeks of games, C.J. Henderson has amassed an impressive year. According to ESPN stats, Henderson has accounted for 22 tackles for the Florida Gators and 10 passes deflected. For some context that is one more than Okudah, who has not missed any games this year (ESPN). Henderson is also holding steady with other high-level cornerbacks this year, despite missing those 3 games.

On top of which, Henderson is also outpacing many of the top branded cornerbacks in the 2020 draft class in Passes Defended. According to ESPN, Henderson has 10 passes defended, while Okudah has only 4. Notable first-round prospect LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton has nine passes defended and 23 tackles this year, while Alabama’s Trevon Diggs has five passes defended and 32 tackles this year, according to ESPN.

Henderson hasn’t missed a beat, despite missing four games this year. In 2018, Henderson had the best year of his career for the Gators. Henderson racked up 38 tackles, 12 assists,  and three sacks, according to ESPN. In 2017, Henderson had four interceptions and two return Touchdowns on special teams duty.

Any way you slice it, Henderson has produced exceptional on-field skills to show why he should be the first Cornerback drafted in 2020.