2020 NFL Draft: Justin Herbert goes No. 1 in first-round NFL mock draft

The Raiders have had issues this year with their slot corner position. Lamarcus Joyner has not played up to his 2018 numbers, as he has only 34 tackles this year, with no forced fumbles or interceptions, according to PFF. Joyner has allowed 39 receptions on 51 targets this year as well (PFF).

To be fair to Joyner though, his natural position is a free safety; he was shanghaied into the slot position after the Raiders traded their original slot corner. The team could use an elite corner to hold down the secondary. And with Daryl Worley set to be a free agent next season as well, the Raiders select the Florida Gators cornerback C.J. Henderson with their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

While Henderson plays on the outside for Florida, he typically plays off the line of scrimmage and I think could be a fantastic slot defender in the NFL. His propensity to jump the route and raw physical ability would allow him to make a lot of Interceptions in the AFC West.

Henderson makes a lot of sense in the slot as well for his blitzing ability. He is quick to sniff out play-action and screens and can make his way to the ball as fast as any cornerback playing in college. He also would make an excellent outside cornerback, but his lack of using press in Florida concerns me.

No matter which corner position the Raiders would use him, he will be a phenomenal contributor to the secondary. While Henderson might not be the most talented cornerback in the 2020 NFL draft, I believe he is certainly the most fun to watch play. Henderson is fast, athletic, disruptive, can tackle and has a bunch of tape on him making incredible diving catches.

Henderson is not your typical NFL cornerback. He’s very aggressive going after the ball, which may hurt him in the NFL where quarterbacks are more adept at faking out defenses. But the Raiders will need young, exciting players for their move to Las Vegas next year. This kid has a ton of potential to be a shutdown cornerback.

I also believe that Henderson has shown enough on tape to be an intriguing option for Jon Gruden. Henderson plays with a ton of energy, zeal, and intensity. He will beat your receiver in physicality, and tackle runners with violent efficiency. Henderson can be accused of gloating and reveling in his abilities on the field. But I think it is that passion for the game that Gruden loves to see.

I have written a short summary of C.J. Henderson for NFL Mocks earlier in the month, which you can find here. Henderson really is an incredibly talented cornerback, and if the Raiders do not select him in the first round, someone will.

The Raiders may opt for a safer cornerback in this year’s draft. Whether it’s with their first or second first-round pick this year, expect the Raiders to select a cornerback in the first round.