Jordan Jenkins, LB, Georgia: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Georgia is a school known for producing quality defensive prospects every year and Jordan Jenkins figures to be no exception. The question moving forward is how high could he go? Let his 2016 NFL scouting report tell the story.

Position: EDGE

School: Georgia

Year: Senior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 253 lbs

History:

A native of Texas, Jenkins attended Harris Count High School where he became a four-star recruit at defensive end. He committed to Georgia and got onto the field right away as a freshman while converting to outside linebacker at times. To date he has posted 201 tackles, including 39 for a loss, 19 sacks and forced six fumbles.

STRENGTHS:

• Height and weight suggest his best fit is at linebacker but he has versatile experience as a defensive end as well.
• Zero hesitation off the snap. Can shoot gaps with great quickness and blow a play up in the backfield before it even starts.

Note here how he’s got his hands on the ground, showcasing that versatility to play defensive end. The moment the ball is snapped he explodes out of his stance, shoots the gap before the offensive line can react and disrupts the handoff before the running back can even decide which way he wants to run.

• Team captain. Jenkins leads by example with his effort, attention to detail and productivity on the field. Not afraid to be vocal with teammates.
  Motor always runs hot. Never lets his legs stop churning even if he’s initially stopped.
• Effective at running stunts. Good quickness to loop around, deliver good pop on contact and has the power to drive blockers back in first surge.
  Show enough fluidity and athleticism to drop in coverage. Good awareness to find the football and then flies to it.

WEAKNESSES:

• Lack of ideal length allows bigger blockers to absorb him. Struggles to do anything with double teams.
• Inconsistent at being able to shed blocks. Must get more violent with his hands.

Against Alabama you always know you’ll be facing big offensive linemen. Here Jenkins is facing Dominick Jackson, a 6’6″, 315 lbs right tackle. While he delivers a good initial surge, his lack of length becomes immediately apparent as he’s unable to keep Jackson from getting into his body. Jenkins doesn’t affect the play at all and the pass is delivered for a 1st down.

• Lack of size is apparent most when he’s facing teams that run the football straight at him. Can often being driven back and out of the play.
• Though he can play defensive end, he’s not strong enough for it in the NFL.

Pro Comparison: Dee Ford

He might not be as good an athlete as the Kansas City Chiefs former 1st round pick in 2014, but Jordan Jenkins shares a lot in common with Dee Ford in terms of size, explosion off the snap and versatility. Both can play with their hand in the dirt but are just better fits as 3-4 outside linebackers.

Projection: 2nd to 3rd rounds

There is a lot to like about Jenkins. He’s got enough physical assets to become a capable player at the next level from his quickness, solid athleticism, leadership and hard-nosed mentality. What keeps him out of the 1st round is a simple lack of any top tier physical attributes. He’s not the biggest, strongest or fastest at either defensive end or outside linebacker. That is why he’s a classic Day 2 pick.