NFL Draft: Cornerbacks to Watch This Week Following Jalen Ramsey Trade

After the Jalen Ramsey trade, the Jaguars have a hole at cornerback. Who are some college prospects to watch today to fill that void?
NFL Draft: Cornerbacks to Watch This Week Following Jalen Ramsey Trade
NFL Draft: Cornerbacks to Watch This Week Following Jalen Ramsey Trade /

Following the Jacksonville Jaguars dealing All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Jacksonville has a void at cornerback moving forward. Second-year cornerback Tre Herndon will get a 10 game audition for the rest of 2019 to prove himself as a future starter, but if he can't get it done the Jaguars will look to the college ranks for reinforcements. 

As the college football slate prepares to kick off today, here are a few college cornerbacks worth monitoring for future NFL Draft possibilities. 

Essang Bassey, Wake Forrest, senior

Bassey is a 5'10", 190 lb veteran perimeter defender who has shown proficiency in zone and man coverage. He is a third-year starter who was named a team captain this season, a year after being named second-team ACC.

He has shown a knack for getting his hands on the ball throughout his career, with five interceptions entering this week including a few huge turnovers in 2017 against Lamar Jackson and his Louisville team and against N.C. State. 

Today, Bassey will draw a tough test with Florida State's Tamorrion Terry. It will be a good preview for how the senior cornerback may fare against NFL receivers in the future and is a performance worth watching.

C.J. Henderson, Florida, junior

The 6'1", 201 lb Henderson may just be the Gator cornerback to overcome a recent history of recent draft busts and become a star at the next level. Henderson has terrific click and close ability and is comfortable in man and zone coverage, including pressing receivers at the line. 

Henderson nabbed six interceptions combined in his first two seasons as a Gator and while he may not have one yet this season, he has still flashed the same dominant coverage ability that he has in the past. 

Today, Henderson and the Gators will play on the road vs. a South Carolina Gamecocks team that upset the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens last weekend. Henderson will likely see a good bit of Bryan Edwards, considering the banged-up receiver is able to play. Like Bassey, Henderson's matchup with Edwards is one that could be indicative of future performances.

Jaylon Johnson, Utah, junior

Like Henderson, Johnson is a physically gifted junior who has six career interceptions and has by and large been a shutdown corner for his defense since stepping into a starting role.

Johnson, a 6'0", 195 lb corner with good length, will play the Arizona State Sun Devils today, and will likely see his fair share of Brandon Aiyuk in coverage. Aiyuk has 31 receptions for 651 yards and five touchdowns this season and presents a challenge for any corner, giving Johnson a good test for scouts to watch. 


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John Shipley
JOHN SHIPLEY

John Shipley has been covering the Jacksonville Jaguars as a beat reporter and publisher of Jaguar Report since 2019. Previously, he covered UCF's undefeated season as a beat reporter for NSM.Today, covered high school prep sports in Central Florida, and covered local sports and news for the Palatka Daily News. Follow John Shipley on Twitter at @_john_shipley.