Malcolm Jenkins

6’0, 200 pounds | Cornerback | Ohio State

Strengths: Jenkins has all the attributes of a lockdown cornerback in the NFL. The winner of the 2008 Thorpe Award, Jenkins is physical at the line, which allows him to knock receivers off their routes. Although Ohio State often ran zone coverage, Jenkins has the ability to play in a man scheme. Has the speed to run with just about any receiver down the field.

For a cornerback, Jenkins is an adept tackler and his run support has improved. Played some throughout his career at free safety. He closes quickly on the ball, allowing him to break up passes easily.

Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Jenkins is that he is just above-average getting off the blocks. Needs to stay lower in his backpedal so he flip his hips and turn easier. Jenkins will sometimes take too many chance to make a play on the ball. In his tackling, Jenkins needs to learn to keep his head up to avoid injury.

Played a lot in zone coverage and will have to prove he can consistently play in man-to-man. Hasn’t had his mettle tested in some time because teams often avoided his side of the field.

Final word: A top-5 talent, Jenkins could be the first cornerback drafted. After improving every year at Ohio State, Jenkins has the look of a perennial Pro Bowl player. The negatives on Jenkins are merely nitpicking as he is one of the top prospects to come out this decade.

Round projection: 1