Mike Jenkins, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Cornerback South Florida Senior Speed: 4,38 Ht: 5’ 10” Wt: 197 lbs. Strengths: Speed and Burst Weaknesses: Athleticism, Anticipation and Technique

            The South Florida secondary featured two potential 2008 NFL draft picks in Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams, who combined with safeties Carlton Hill and Nate Allen to help USF rank 34^th in the nation in pass defense, allowing 212 yards/game last year.  Jenkins was the star of the show at right corner, deflecting 27 passes over the last two seasons and earning First Team All-Big East honors in 2007.  With blazing speed (4.38) and good size, Jenkins has the potential to be an excellent, playmaking cornerback in the NFL and is a lock to be a first round Draft pick.

            Despite his excellent timed speed (4.38), Jenkins has trouble translating that to the field as his tight hips and marginal change of direction ability will hinder his ability to latch onto a receiver and stick with him out of breaks.  His backpedal is not smooth and he plays to tall, making him appear unbalanced or uncoordinated at times, otherwise he has above average body control.  Without great recovery or a second gear, Jenkins has trouble when he is unable to anticipate the route and gets beat.  Gambles and guesses on routes and either wins big or losses badly.  He doesn’t play the ball as well as his stats would indicate, as he losses sight of the ball, struggles to anticipate routes and as a result, is hesitant in his burst which negates one of his strengths.  Might be a little clumsy with his hands.  He drops too many interceptions, has troubles with balls out of his frame and commits too many penalties because he doesn’t get great hand placement.  He was arrested before the 2007 season after getting into a fight outside of a bar. 

            Possessing quick feet and the toughness to re-route and aggravate receivers, Jenkins has considerable potential.  He may never be a pro bowl corner, but he should be able to start in the NFL early on, and could make a great complimentary guy next too someone with better size.  He may not tackle well enough to move to free safety, but with his below average hip turn he might have to in order to carve out a career for himself.  Jenkins will be competitive in jump ball situations and stretching out to get his hands on passes.  His long arms allow him to get his hands inside a receiver to disrupt his timing and concentration, he is an effective press corner that can reroute receivers and be aggressive with them.  He closes on the ball quickly but does not move as quickly to make tackles.  Jenkins is a leader by example and displays great work ethic (if marginal judgment), but does seem to enjoy being a role model for the younger players.  

            He needs to learn to tackle and shed blocks better in run support, even if he doesn't start right away he could be a solid role player and special teamer.  His speed doesn’t always show up in coverage, but he can be a special corner with some technique refinement and better field awareness.  He is not the best corner available, but has more experience than Leodis McKelvin and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and offers versatility in a secondary.  He will get his hands on a lot of balls, but only when he’s in position and has a clear path to the ball.  Elite receivers might have a field day with him, but in the right situation he could shine. 

            Cover-2 teams will be high on him due to his size, closing speed and press abilities, but he is too weak against the run.  He could fit in a man scheme with his speed but unless he cleans up his hips he will not last at corner.  His ability to make plays in front of him gives him a chance as a ball hawking free safety but he doesn’t tackle well enough to hold up there.  Teams looking for a quick starter will be disappointed and he may struggle to ever find his niche.  He will work hard but will tease teams with his lack of toughness.