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Pros- Jenkins has good size and strength. He is a physical player that pushes bigger receivers around and does a great job in run support. He shows good athletic ability and ball skills. During his four years at Ohio State, Jenkins was a hard worker and showed great versatility, playing cornerback and free safety. He became a team leader due to his production, hard work, and durability.

Cons- Jenkins lacks the straight line speed and explosion NFL teams look for. He doesn’t always show great agility and can be beat deep. He shows a strong desire in run support, but doesn’t always break down in the open field. There is a lot of speculation that Jenkins should move to safety due to his lack of speed, which could hurt his draft stock.

Scouts Take- Jenkins is a solid all-around football player. He gives great effort, does what is asked of him, and is a very versatile player. Jenkins could probably have success as a corner in a zone scheme, but could be a star as a free safety. He has the size, tackling ability, and ball skills NFL teams want from a free safety. It may take some time for him to learn a new position, but he does have experience at safety and will be willing to work hard. Either way, Jenkins is a mid-1st round prospect.

School Bio

CFI: Player Anatomy: Malcolm Jenkins, OSU - 10.25.08

2.25.09 - Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins ran disappointing times in the 40-yard dashes Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the NFL Scouting Combine and is in danger of falling out of the top 10 in the NFL Draft. Jenkins ran anywhere from a 4.55 to 4.59 seconds on most watches in his first attempt. He improved on his second 40-yard time, running a 4.52 or 4.53. Some teams will now start to look at Jenkins as more of a safety since they feel he lacks top-end cornerback speed.

His 40 times are nothing to be ashamed of since many already viewed him as more of a free safety type. The only ones who may have been disappointed were those that expected the former Buckeye to run a 4.3. Despite the various scouting reports out there, he's not a 4.3 player, but that doesn't really matter. If you watch film on Jenkins, you'll see that he does everything you want a defensive back to do. Just watch the way he effortlessly breaks on the ball while it's in the air and admire his outstanding range as a tackler in open space. What's more, his top-notch positioning and instincts in coverage give him all he needs to be a star in the making. I'm still ranking him as the number-one defensive back out there, whether it's at safety or cornerback. The one thing I know about Jenkins is that he'll make plays for my team, and really isn't that what it's all about?

He may not be the number one DB on the board anymore unless he runs that 40 again and improves. Many will question whether or not he can keep up with receivers in the NFL--he's not covering slower guys in the Big Ten any longer. Jenkins may very well be a top-notch safety and a big time playmaker...but he's going to get drafted lower than he thought he was because of his 40 time and his shaky footwork. - All Access: NFL Daily Dose, February 25, 2009

Scout's Take - 7.1.08

Pros: Jenkins is a prototypical lockdown cover corner, capable of defending the opposing team’s top target anywhere on the field. He has all the measurables—size, speed, length and quickness. According to the Buckeyes’ spring guide, Jenkins has been timed at 4.3 in the 40-yard dash. The Piscataway, NJ native has improved as a run stopper throughout his career and has proven durable. Has good hands and is a playmaker in the defensive backfield.

Cons: Will allow catches in front of him and gets a little too tall in his backpedal, losing steps when he plants and comes up to attack—his footwork is an issue. Jenkins needs to work on his ability to cover man-to-man—it’s unclear whether he can be left in single coverage. He does not always play with enough aggressiveness, especially considering his vast physical abilities.

Overall: It would not be a stretch to say Jenkins could have been the top corner off of the board had he declared for the ’08 Draft. The high school track star has improved each season at Ohio St. and should be as NFL-ready as any defender coming out next season.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Ohio St.)