Malcolm Jenkins SELECTED BY: Saints Round 1 (14)

SI Grade 4.17 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his sophomore campaign. Named several all-America teams the past two seasons, and honored with the Thorpe Award as a senior. Senior totals included 57/3/9 after 47/4/3 as a junior. Sophomore totals included 55 tackles and four interceptions.

POSITIVES: Nice-sized shutdown cornerback with an array of skill. Fluid pedaling in reverse, can flip his hips transitioning to run with receivers, and positions himself to defend the throw. Stays with receivers out from their breaks, has a nice move to the ball, and shows an explosive burst out of his plant to the action. Gets vertical in mid-air to defend the throw, and also displays good hands for the interception. Works well with safeties, and displays a good sense of timing as well as anticipation.

NEGATIVES: Prone to falling asleep on occasion, slow responding to receivers? moves and at times seems to be struggling locating the pass in the air. Lacks the top and speed. Ran poorly at the combine.

ANALYSIS: Jenkins is a solid athlete and a cornerback rarely challenged by opposing signal callers. He has all the tools to be a productive starter at the next level, and while his poor performance at the combine could drop him as many as six slots, we fully expect Jenkins to be a starter in the NFL by the end of his rookie campaign.

PROJECTION: First Round