The Cowboys are in desperate need of help in the secondary, Byron Jones left in free agency, Chidobe Awuzie, Jordan Lewis and Xavier Woods are free agents after next year, and that’s assuming they are starting for you this year. Awuzie regressed last year, teams were avoiding Byron Jones and unfortunately for Chido he was the recipient of the increased workload. Lewis only starting seeing the field later in the season, and Woods was no better than average. The entire defense took a step back last year, the inability to stop the run against the Rams in the playoffs seemed to run into last year. The defense as a whole took a huge step backwards. Addressing the secondary should be a priority in this draft, but that’s assuming logic and reason are anywhere to be found.
CJ Henderson – DB – Florida – 6’1 205 lbs
Henderson is regarded as the second best cornerback in this class behind Jeff Okudah who will go in the top 10. Dallas has been rumored to be interested in Henderson prior to the draft and for good reason. The Florida corner has been highly regarded since he arrived in Gainesville. His defensive coordinator at Florida called him the best corner he had ever coached. Henderson ran a sub 4.40 at the combine, he has elite closing speed, good size, and is an extremely fluid player. He moves in and out of breaks with ease, changing direction without breaking stride. Henderson has also shown to have above average hands, showing the possibility of being an elite playmaker.
Henderson is not terribly aggressive, he can drift away from receivers allowing them space to make plays. His tackling also leaves something to be desired but for a player that needs to be able to cover able all else he is very capable in this regard. While the Cowboys have shown interest there is decent chance Henderson is off the board by 17, the Falcons have also been rumored to be interested and I don’t see the Cowboys willing to part with assets to move up.
Personally I think the best value at cornerback is in the second round. While Henderson has the ability to be a pro bowler in the future, he has also been inconsistent. Cornerback is a deep class and the Cowboys should be able to find a quality DB in round 2 while hopefully addressing the pass rush in round 1.
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