Jerrel Jernigan 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Notes

The 2011 NFL Draft begins Thursday and the staff at Mocking the Draft is working hard to bring you the most in-depth information possible. We have spent countless hours reviewing college games in an attempt to produce scouting reports for each of the prospects. However, time is running out so we decided to release some scouting notes in order to cover a wider range of prospects.

After the jump you can check out the notes taken in order to come up with this final analysis.  Be sure to check out our full scouting reports HERE.

Jerrel Jernigan
5'9, 185 pounds | Wide receiver | Troy

Final word: Jernigan is the classic case of a player who, if he were taller, would be a first-round pick. He has just about every tool you'd want in a wide receiver other than height and functional playing strength. Because of that, Jernigan will have to be put in the right system to succeed. Jernigan has special ability after the catch and is a slippery player to take down. If he's put in the right situation, he can be a weapon for some team.

NOTES:

• The first thing you notice with Jernigan is his size and it's not good. He'll have trouble making an impact on the outside because of his size and inability to beat press coverage consistently.

• Wasn't asked to run a lot of complex routes. Because of that, he's not the most refined route runner. Gets open mainly due to his shiftiness and speed.

• Is an explosive movement player who changes direction with ease. Is really good after the catch making defenders miss.

• An intelligent receiver who understands how to set up his blockers after the catch.

• Displays good hands catching the ball outside of his frame. Will short-arm throws when a defender is coming right at him.

• Will be valuable in the return game. Has a second gear to pull away from defenders. Had two return touchdowns (one punt and one kickoff) in 2010.