Scout Rips CJ Henderson's Tackling: CB Has 'Non-Aggression Pact with the Enemy'

CJ Henderson is generally regarded one of the top cornerbacks in the 2020 NFL draft class, but at least one NFL team personnel member has serious questions about the Florida star's ability to tackle. 

Speaking to The Athletic's Bob McGinn, the anonymous executive noted Henderson "can cover" before sounding off about his tackling skills: 

"He also signed a non-aggression pact with the enemy. He doesn't even make a minimum effort to tackle. I don't know how a guy can sit in there on Sunday afternoon and watch film with his teammates. He's got more talent in his little finger than most of us do in our whole body. Against the run, he gets out of the way. The guy doesn't force anything."

One scout called Henderson "probably the most talented" cornerback in the 2020 class, but "he doesn't play hard."

The scout also suggested Henderson could turn into Justin Gilbert, who only made three starts in three seasons after being drafted No. 8 overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. 

"He could be the kid from Oklahoma State that went to Cleveland if he messes around. … He misses a lot of tackles," the scout said. "He's everything you want. He just doesn't compete. He doesn't tackle. Everybody you talk to at Florida says he's a great kid—he's this, he's that, loves football. Put the film on and you just don't see it."

B/R's Matt Miller has Henderson ranked as the second-best cornerback, behind Ohio State's Jeff Okudah, and No. 13 overall player in the 2020 class. 

Henderson had a successful three-year career at Florida. He had 22 pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions and four sacks in 34 games and was named to the All-SEC first team in 2019.