C.J. Henderson's run with the Carolina Panthers has been anything but memorable. 

The 24-year-old cornerback, who was first drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has yet to put together an outstanding season with the Panthers. But that may be changing. Panthers head coach Frank Reich recently had nothing but good things to say about the cornerback that has struggled to catch on in the Panthers rotation. 

“He’s been great,” Reich said of Henderson. “I shouldn’t say that, you get a little excited. But, he’s been Mr. Consistency. Yeah, he’s just been consistent and been good. Really excited about what he’s put on tape.”

Henderson is heading into the most important season of his career. The Panthers declined his fifth-year option, meaning it is a prove-it-or-lose-it season for the former first-rounder. 

His production so far may make the Panthers regret not picking up his option. 

The Panthers' secondary is sitting in a position of flux. And if Henderson has been the model of consistency on defense, he may be able to step up and prove that his talent was worth a first-round selection during the 2020 season. 

It is a make-it-or-break-it season, and Henderson is already proving to the Panthers that he could be worth the investment. 

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Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.