Jags rookie CJ Henderson earns nomination for Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week

Last year, it was quarterback Gardner Minshew II who was frequently in the running for Pepsi Rookie of the Week, but now it appears his infectious rookie play may have rubbed off on first-round pick CJ Henderson.

After a phenomenal first game against the Indianapolis Colts, Henderson was nominated for this year’s version of the award called the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week Award. Simply put, he was all over the field Sunday and finished his day with five tackles, three pass breakups, and a crucial pick.

CB @HendersonChris_ has been nominated for @Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of Week 1 after his performance in the @Jaguars' victory over Indy:

• 5 tackles
• 3 passes defensed
• INT in NFL debut (📸 below from the talented @melinasphotos)

VOTE HERE: https://t.co/41gAnc4pkC pic.twitter.com/bIE2B2YxBs

— Tad Dickman (@TDickman89) September 15, 2020

While Minshew was the Jags’ best player on offense, Henderson was their best player on defense Sunday in the eyes of most. With Philip Rivers coming into town and having a 7-2 record against the Jags, fans were predicting it to be a rough day for the secondary. The young group — led by Henderson — had different thoughts though.

Henderson not only caught the attention of the NFL and Jags fans Sunday, but the crew over at Pro Football Focus also praised his performance. By their formula, he received the highest grade on the team Sunday (84.2) while PFF analyst Mike Renner even went as far as calling Henderson’s debut the best he’s seen since Marshon Lattimore.

#JAGUARS Week 1 grades are in 🚨

Highest PFF game grade:
C.J. HENDERSON 84.2

In his debut he had:
🔹1 INT
🔹3 pass break ups
🔹28.3 passer rating against pic.twitter.com/stBV2VcF1u

— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) September 14, 2020

Not a bad start for rookie CB C.J. Henderson🤔 pic.twitter.com/DtGuRRaEZu

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 15, 2020

Henderson is undoubtedly off to an impressive start and proved that Dave Caldwell was right for making him a top-10 pick — at least for now. He’ll receive another respectable test Sunday against the Tennessee Titans as A.J. Brown and Corey Davis (who registered 101 yards Week 1) will be looking to acquire their first divisional wins. At the same time, Henderson has shown fans that he’s a gamer, which could make him an X-factor just as he was Week 1.

For those wanting to vote for Henderson, simply click here to find the ballot.