Defensive backs under the microscope on Day 4 of the NFL Scouting Combine

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almost 3 years ago Dave Cariello 5 comments 0 recs |

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I'm for Jenkins

NFL.com, Pat Kirwin:

Another potential top-five prospect is Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who hails from Piscataway, N.J. Jenkins, who led his high school team to three consecutive state championships, won the Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the country last year. He had just three interceptions in 2008, but that number had more to do with the opposition’s desire to keep the ball away from Jenkins than any shortcomings on his part. Jenkins is a physical, lockdown cornerback who can run with just about any receiver. He has excellent ball skills and is a threat to make plays after interceptions. He’s also strong in run support, which will be a big part of his job in the NFL.

I fear that this Vontae Davis kid is a head case like his brother.

Preserving the old ways from being abused.

by stujo4 on Feb 22, 2009 3:56 PM CST reply actions

I’m off the Vontae Davis train…but I wonder if Jenkins is really the best we can get. Sean Smith of Utah started for an undefeated team, and has played both safety and cornerback. Then there’s D.J. Moore, Alphonso Smith, and Darius Butler that might be worth a look. Heck, we got Porter in the second round…maybe trading back will still allow us to add a defensive stud in the first and still pick up a fine corner in the second.

I dunno…I need another drink.

Whereza I scubes, dam nit!

by MtnExile on Feb 22, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

Jenkins analysis

Positives: Lockdown corner. … Very physical at the line, has a strong punch to knock receivers off their route. … Attacks ballcarriers behind the line, making secure tackles. … Also willing to assist in tackles downfield or inside. … Effective playing off receivers as he can flip open his hips and accelerate, close quickly on the ball in front of him or change direction to mirror receivers. … Stays with even the fastest receivers down the sideline. … Plays free safety on occasion and has all of the tools to succeed there in the NFL. … Excellent hands for the interception, and he has the vertical to high-point the ball and strength to fight for it. … Can make plays with the ball in his hands.
Negatives: Creates havoc on the blitz but doesn’t always finish. … Will take chances to make a play on the ball. … Could improve his tackling in the open field — will occasionally drop his head instead of watching what he hits. … Inconsistent taking on and getting off receiver blocks, and will hesitate to get to ballcarriers coming into his area. … Must prove he has the mental discipline needed to handle getting constantly challenged as a rookie after rarely being thrown at in college. Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Preserving the old ways from being abused.

by stujo4 on Feb 22, 2009 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

I am ill-informed

But I can google.

nfl.com:

Sean Smith
Analysis
Positives: Good height and great length for a boundary corner. … Very quick feet for his size. … Runs well with taller receivers down the sideline, but also lines up in the slot. … Former receiver has great ball skills and the vertical to go up and get the ball. … Able to locate and high-point in coverage. … Elusive runner with some vision to flip field position after the interception. … Forces fumbles by using his length to get a hand on the ball. … Has the size and closing speed to be an effective blitzer. … Very quick to support the run or attack quick screens and passes in the flat. … Reacts quickly on plays in front of him and finds the ball well in the air.
Negatives: Might be seen as a corner/safety “tweener.” … Stiff in the upper body. … Does not play with the physicality scouts would like given his size. … Is slow to adjust when backpedaling if a receiver cuts his route short or goes to the skinny post. … Catch-and-drag tackler whose height is a disadvantage when trying to bring down ballcarriers with a low center of gravity. ... Inconsistent using his hands at the line of scrimmage. … Gets stuck on blocks. … Takes poor angles to make tackles in space or when attacking a screen. … Just a little more than two years of experience on defense. … Cocky and talks trash.
Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Preserving the old ways from being abused.

by stujo4 on Feb 22, 2009 8:12 PM CST reply actions

what it comes down to

…is G-Dub’s examination of these guys and his judgment of who can perform in his system. Jenkins might be completely wrong, Davis or Sean Smith might be exactly right, I don’t know. He’s not tipping his hand.

Preserving the old ways from being abused.

by stujo4 on Feb 22, 2009 8:17 PM CST reply actions