Should Broncos Eye Janoris Jenkins?

Many of you prefer that the Denver Broncos draft a defensive player with their first pick in the draft. Whether on the defensive line or in the secondary, the Broncos still have a lot of work to do and they need to improve through the draft.

Let’s take a look at the secondary. Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman are getting up there in age. Bailey is still a shutdown corner but in the next couple of years, he could make the move to safety. Goodman, meanwhile, showed his age in 2011 with younger and faster wide receivers burning him for big plays. The Broncos must look at a cornerback in the draft.

That brings me to Janoris Jenkins out of North Alabama. Huh, where? Yes, Jenkins comes out of a division II program after being dismissed from Florida after his third arrest in his college career.

Why would the Broncos draft this guy who has had problems off the field, and stands 5’10”, 182 lbs.? That’s just asking for it, right?

The thing about Jenkins is he’s taken in the first round in many Mock Drafts across the country. He has the best anticipatory skills around, and he’s very aggressive. He has quick feet and good speed to recover if he’s too aggressive and bites on a double move. Jenkins is good in man or zone, and he’s a great run support guy since his reads are very good. He’s not afraid to play inside the box.

Jenkins was successful in college from the start. He became just the second CB out of Florida to start his first collegiate game. That year he had 39 tackles, 11 passes broken up, and 3 interceptions which earned him all Freshman SEC accolades. Jenkins produced similar numbers in his next two years at Florida even though he battled through a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

The question isn’t about whether this kid can play. It’s whether he can keep himself out of trouble.

Perhaps John Fox’s no nonsense attitude and the leadership of Tim Tebow and Brian Dawkins can help keep Jenkins on the right path.

Everyone at the Senior Bowl knows his story. Now it’s time for him to prove the doubters wrong.

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