2020 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Select CB C.J. Henderson at No. 16

With the 16th pick of the 2020 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select...

C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

The selection and write-up were made by makeaplay59:

This pick is a perfect pairing of need and best player available. The Falcons can score points, but need help on the defensive side of the ball. I debated pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson from LSU in this spot, but with the off-season addition of Dante Fowler, Jr., it was too hard to pass up this year’s clear CB2 behind Jeffrey Okudah.

Henderson possesses elite speed (4.39 forty yard dash at the combine) and size (6’1” with 31-5/8” arms), but to me his best attributes are his smarts, quickness, and closing speed. He is able to play the ball aggressively and trusts in his technique, rarely panicking. He’s also a surprisingly good blitzer.

While needing some improvement as a tackler, as well as more experience playing zone coverage, his ceiling is that of a Pro Bowl cornerback playing press-man on the outside. I think the Falcons organization and fanbase would be thrilled with this pick, especially if it didn’t require trading up.

Pokorny: “This is a solid pick, as I expect Atlanta to address their defense in the first two rounds of this year’s draft. Any combination of pass rusher, cornerback, or safety would fit the bill. ”

The Dallas Cowboys are up next, led by Barry Shuck.