With the rookies tentatively scheduled to report to training camp next week, the Jaguars got their top draft pick, CJ Henderson, under contract Thursday.
Henderson, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 draft, agreed to terms on a fully guaranteed four-year, $20.5 million contract that includes a fifth-year option.
In three seasons with the Florida Gators, Henderson had six interceptions and 20 pass breakups. He was a first-team All-SEC selection last season. He is expected to step in and start on the opposite side of cornerback Tre Herndon this coming season.
Henderson joins 2020 draft picks offensive guard Ben Bartch, receiver Laviska Shenault, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, receiver Collin Johnson, tight end Tyler Davis and linebacker Shaq Quarterman, who have signed their contracts.
However, 20th overall pick K'Lavon Chaisson; fourth-round cornerback Josiah Scott; fifth-round safety Daniel Thomas; sixth-round quarterback Jake Luton and seventh-round kick returner/cornerback Chris Claybrooks all remain unsigned.
Henderson received a $12.4 million signing bonus and will earn a base salary of $610,000 in 2020, 1,542,546 in 2021, 2,475, 093 in 2022 and 3,407,639 in 2023, sports financial website Spotrac.com.
The Jaguars traded Ramsey last October to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the 20th overall that they used Thursday night to select former LSU defensive end, K'Lavon Chaisson.
?I think the one thing that is clear is we are not looking at it and comparing CJ Henderson and comparing him to anyone we have had, whether it be Jalen (Ramsey) or A.J. Bouye,? Coach Doug Marrone said in April after they drafted Henderson. ?CJ is big and strong and he can run. He has a ton of range and makeup speed.?
The Jaguars traded Bouye last month to the Denver Broncos for a 2020 fourth-round pick. Bouye made the Pro Bowl in 2017 after leading the Jaguars with six interceptions. But since 2018, Bouye had totaled only two interceptions, including one last season.
The Jaguars traded Ramsey last October to the Los Angeles Rams after he expressed a desire that he wanted out of Jacksonville.
?I'm ready to take on the challenge. I'm ready for it," Henderson said. ?Guys get that misconception that I'm quiet. But no, I'm pretty reserved and open to people that know me. But I work hard, and you'll earn my respect."
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