Malcolm Jenkins NFL Draft Prospect
Top Five College Football Players
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State 6’0” 195lbs. – The top senior is the 2009 draft class passed up the opportunity to be a first rounder last year for the chance at a national title run and a top ten NFL grade. Unfortunately for Jenkins and the Buckeyes things weren’t meant to be this season, but that in no way tempers his draft status as an elite cover corner. Undoubtedly the most proven player at his position Jenkins has given some of the top receivers in the country fits for the past two seasons and basically rendered his side of the field off limits for opposing offenses. Perhaps the best asset for a corner is experience and instincts and in each of those categories Jenkins is second to none. For Jenkins, his number one attribute has to be raw cover skills which will transition seamlessly to the next level. Intangibles is a word often thrown around aimlessly when evaluating draft talent, but at the cornerback position it is at the crux of what makes a successful corner at the next level. Raw athletic ability makes Jenkins the total package and the only thing that may trouble scouts is the possibility that he has maxed out his abilities already in the collegiate ranks and has a relatively average ceiling. This possibility has scouts somewhat concerned that his grade as a college player has a stifled chance at growth. Nevertheless, Jenkins has certainly proven himself worthy of the number one corner grade in this year’s version of the NFL draft by shutting down names such as Benn and Hardy in his days as a Buckeye against fierce Big Ten competition. When it comes to the next level, Jenkins would fit well on any roster in the top four, but with the glaring needs of those teams being at other positions, Jenkins may fit best at the number five pick with the home state Cleveland Browns who have been knocking on the door trying to become more than a doormat in the AFC North. With their new head coach a defensive minded guy in Eric Mangini, the pick just makes sense as the Browns most apparent need has been in the secondary where they appear to have found a great complementary corner in Eric Wright but could still use a shutdown guy to direct throws elsewhere from opposing quarterbacks. The scouts love Jenkins’ size as he can play press coverage with even the largest NFL receivers and not be intimidated size wise. Hometown fans of Cleveland will love this projection if it comes to fruition in the spring. NFL COMPARISON: CHAMP BAILEY
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