2009 NFL Rookie Preview: Malcolm Jenkins

With the fourteenth pick in the 2009 NFL draft the New Orleans Saints choose the 6’0”, 204 lbs. cornerback out of Ohio State. The Saints have major problems in their secondary and are hoping that Jenkins fills a need. Jenkins is a great cornerback who can make an impact right away in the Big Easy.

The Saints are definitely looking to bulk up the secondary in the off-season. Not only did they draft Jenkins, they also picked up Darren Sharper. Jenkins is a physical defensive back that isn’t afraid to put his body into the play. He has great football instincts and is a threat after an interception. His real ability comes with coverage. In 49 games at Ohio State he never allowed a touchdown pass.

Malcolm Jenkins is a physical football player who gets into a receiver’s body at the line of scrimmage. He also makes tackles on running backs and assists in downfield tackles. He wraps up on the tackle and may see time at the free safety position due to that skill and his natural instincts. He tallied 11 interceptions and broke up 17 passes. Despite his sub-par NFL Combine, many scouts think he is the best corner in the draft. Many compare him to Charles Woodson.

Jenkins has few downsides. He sometimes has a tendency to take chances on thrown balls. He was also rarely tested in college, but this will likely change at the NFL level. Even though he has great open field tackling skills, he needs to improve on this to tackle the NFL receiver.