Brandon Jenkins – Defensive end
Height: 6’3 | Weight: 260 pounds | Florida State | Senior
Strengths: Jenkins is a productive pass rusher who can beat the offensive tackle around the corner with his speed and foot quickness. He shows good effort at getting his hands up to tip passes when he can’t get to the quarterback before the pass is made. He is a very competitive team player who gives good effort on every snap and often makes tackles in the backfield resulting in yards for a loss with his pure hustle. He has flexibility to bend knees and play with leverage which helps him to play stronger than his weight. When he gets close to making the play he has a very good closing burst to get to the ball carrier or quarterback and finish the play consistently.
Weaknesses: He has a tremendous speed rush and explosive first step, but relies on that too often. He needs more pass rush moves in his arsenal to beat the one on one matchups. He needs to play stronger at the point of attack against the run. He can play to high at times and not get his pad level low giving the offensive lineman the opportunity to get up under his pads drive him backwards and eliminate him from the play. He needs better technique at hand placement to take advantage of leverage in short yardage situations.
Final Thoughts: Jenkins had his best season as a true sophomore during the 2010 season. He emerged as one of the nation’s best speed rusher at defensive end tallying 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss. His junior and senior year was not as productive as he and Florida State would have liked because of various injuries that cut his season short. He has very good athleticism which he showcased before even stepping foot on Florida State’s campus. He was awarded All-State honors in basketball during his high school career. He has great instincts and quickness off the snap. Jenkins college production reminds me of defensive end’s Mathias Kiwanuka (New York Giants) and safety William Moore’s (Atlanta Falcons) college career where they both had great junior seasons but because of injuries their senior year did not live up to expectations, but both have become solid playmakers for their team. Jenkins has that same capability with his overall athleticism, great instincts, and foot quickness to make an impact for several teams. His draft stock may have fallen some because of the injuries, but he has first round talent. If he is selected later than that he could be a virtual steal for a team who is in need of an edge rusher. He has the athleticism to play the 4-3 defense rush end or the 3-4 defense outside rush linebacker positions.
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