Jacksonville Jaguars: Rookie expectations for the 2020 season
What can we expect from the Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 rookie class?
Even with all of the restrictions and craziness that this coronavirus pandemic has caused, the Jacksonville Jaguars were still able to get everybody from their 2020 NFL Draft class under contract in time for camp.
These rookies are finally getting their first taste of the facilities in Duval and will be looking to get up to speed quickly after a lost offseason.
While it is unfortunate that these young men have been dealt a bad hand as far as their time to prepare for their transition to the pros, I believe this class is loaded with guys who will be ready to make an impact, no matter what role they’re given.
With that being said, let’s dive into what expectations Jacksonville Jaguars’ fans should have for the 2020 rookie class, as we prepare for the start of the new season.
C.J. Henderson, CB
2020 expectation: Immediate CB1
While there is no denying that Tre Herndon had himself a nice 2019 season, and is a great story in Duval, the Jacksonville Jaguars did not draft C.J. Henderson at nine overall to have him play second-fiddle.
Henderson should immediately slide into the primary boundary corner role and will line up against the top wide receivers around the league.
In 30 career games at the University of Florida (27 starts), C.J. Henderson proved to be a lockdown defensive back. He had six interceptions and 20 pass deflections in his career and allowed just two touchdowns in his two years as a full-time starter with the Gators.
His combination of speed and length are just what you want at the position, and he has the instincts and fluidity that make me confident he will make a notable impact in year-one with the Jaguars.
While I certainly expect some growing pains, Henderson does have the benefit of joining an experienced defensive back group in Jacksonville, so he won’t be expected to be dominant right out of the gate. However, I think when he does settle into his role and the season is all said and done, C.J. Henderson will be in the conversation for defensive rookie of the year.