CB, Janoris Jenkins (5’11 189 lbs.) – Florida Gators
Instincts/Recognitions: Jenkins displays a natural feel for the position when you watch him play. Has progressed nicely over the years. Recognizes routes and has a unique ability to be in the right place at the right time. Is good in man coverage as well as zone coverage. Often is able to read the quarterbacks eyes and drop and make a play on the ball. Is extremely aggressive when going for turnovers, which sometimes causes him to miss easy tackles.
Cover Skills: Excellent in man and zone coverages. With his ability to read the quarterbacks eyes and drop, he is able to plant and accelerate towards passes and break them up or convert the interception. Blankets his receiver in man coverage and shows signs of becoming an elite cornerback at the next level. One concern is that he only stands at 5’11 189 lbs. For some NFL schemes, that is too small, but for others he fits perfectly. During the 2010 season, Jenkins matched up against some of the nations best receivers. He held Julio jones to 4 catches for 19 yards, Alshon Jefferey to 6 catches for 53 yards, and AJ Green to 4 catches for 42 yards. Despite his size, he finds a way to get the job done against bigger receivers.
Ball skills: This is where Jenkins has made the most progress in his game while at Florida. Each year he has improved greatly on his ability to recognize plays, plant his foot in the ground, and make a play on the ball. Does not have great interception numbers, but does possess great hands and the ability to make athletic plays. When he does get his hands on the ball, he looks to return it for a touchdown.
Run Support: Not the biggest corner in the world, but does not shy away from contact, even from running backs much larger than himself. Uses good form and really takes the legs out from underneath the ball carrier when they head his way.
Intangibles: Team and staff say he is an excellent teammate and possess a “we before me” team attitude, but he has had some off the field issues with the law. Was involved in an off the field fight, and charged with resisting arrest without violence.
Overall Stock: Some teams, but not all will look past Jenkins off the field issues. The ones that do, will look towards his upside of being a playmaking lockdown defender for their defense. Jenkins may have cost himself some millions with the off the field stuff, but expect Jenkins to be one of the 3rd or 4th cornerbacks taken in the 2011 NFL Draft.
NFL Comparisons: Asante Samuel and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie