Draft Target #4 - CB Malcolm Jenkins

by Brandon on Feb 16, 2009 1:07 AM CST in Looking Ahead to 2009 Comment 5 comments

ProFootballTalk noticed that some prominent (ESPN's Kiper and McShay) draft experts are projecting the Packers will select Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins in the 1st round. Although the Press Gazette article used as their source actually kind of brushes off the idea.

Still there is a lot to like about Malcolm Jenkins. Nice size at 6'0" and speed around 4.4 to 4.5 in the 40. He won the Jim Thorpe award as the nation's top defensive back last year. Although past winners of that award is a list of players ranging from great to good to bust. CB Charles Woodson and ex-Packer bust CB Terrell Buckley both won it. It's been mentioned that he might be better at free safety which doesn't sound like a compliment.

Either way, I can't seem him as the Packers 1st round choice. In 2009, he would be stuck behind Woodson, CB Al Harris, probably CB Tramon Williams, and maybe even 2008 2nd round pick CB Pat Lee. It wouldn't hurt to consider a very talented strong safety instead of hoping either S Atari Bigby or S Aaron Rouse will become a great player, but Jenkins is considered more of a free safety type and so is Nick Collins.

I'm not quite convinced Jenkins will be a great NFL player, but the bigger problem is that he plays a position where the Packers have a lot of depth. He would be a poor choice for the Packers.

Poll

Do you think the Packers will draft either a cornerback or safety in the 1st round?

Yes

13 votes

No

89 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I don't see us taking a DB in the 1st round this year

Maybe in the 3rd-4th round range, though.

We have more pressing needs at OLB and NT this year.

I also kind of think Jenkins will be a bust.

by mittens on Feb 16, 2009 9:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I’d like either Cushing or Matthews out of USC. You can’t tell me a corner or a safety is more important than an OLB in our new defense.

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey

by jobe on Feb 16, 2009 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For me the only acceptable choices (position wise) would be a LB who fits the scheme, or someone on either line. When you get a chance at a top 10 draft pick you have to hit. Missing on a top 10 pick can seriously handcuff the franchise for years to come. We need look no further than Mandarich. Who ever gets picked needs to, at the very least, be a solid consistent player.

Frye is honestly gotta be one of the top 10 3rd Stringers in all of the NFL right now--colbyb

by verno329 on Feb 16, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft by position

LB, OL or DL was exactly what I was thinking. But at number 9 they are going to have a lot of options, so I’m trying to keep an open mind.

I’m not thinking of anyone specific, but I would love to see them upgrade at strong safety via free agency or the draft. Although I’m not sure who exactly would be better than a healthy Atari Bigby. There were several big running plays last season that could have been contained last season as manageable 15-20 yard runs if they had gotten better seasons out of Bigby and Rouse.

by Brandon on Feb 17, 2009 1:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

If we wanted a CB and probably could get him pretty cheap the Ravens cut Chris McAlister today. He suffered an ankle injury for most of last season and was suppose to get $8 mil this coming year.

by bizzle4 on Feb 16, 2009 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs