|
Mike Triplette of the Times-Picayune reports that Malcolm Jenkins, who squeezed in three final exams and three final papers to finish school at Ohio State a week early, traded in his textbooks for his playbook and boarded a flight to New Orleans. After missing the past month of team activities because of an NFL rule that requires rookies to wait until their semester ends, Jenkins was able to hit the field for the final two days of minicamp practices and this next week of organized team activities.
Mancini’s Take: Beyond his physical gifts, Jenkins is a high-character individual, who chose to complete his senior year at OU despite draft projections that had him going high in the first round. Ross, I know we’ve had debates about this guy’s speed in the past, but I see Jenkins being a physical cover man who’ll be able to win battles with bigger receivers. In addition, he has great instincts in zone coverage that will allow him to quickly close on the ball. His instincts will enable him to play faster than his 40-time.
Mandel's Take: The Saints are going to try Jenkins at corner first, and I have no problem with that--why not see if he can play there? However, I think they're going to discover that their instincts were correct--the man is a safety. His instincts and football savvy are indeed strong suits, Rev, which is why I think he'll be a solid safety in New Orleans. Regardless of where he plays, the bottom line is that Jenkins is going to help the Saints' secondary...and boy do they need help.
 |
