Round 2, Pick 9: Washington Redskins - 2011 NFL Draft - NFL - Sporting News
Iyer:
Targeting him at 3-4 end, the Redskins go with a Clemson lineman not named Da'Quan Bowers.
Lande:
Jenkins was overshadowed much of his college career by teammate Da'Quan Bowers, but due to Bowers' knee injury Jenkins ends up getting drafted higher. Jenkins is a great fit for the Redskins as he has the talent to play either end or tackle in the 3-4 scheme because of his excellent combination of size, playing strength and athleticism that is very hard to find. He should earn a starting job early in his career and become a very good all-around starter.
Against the run: Makes his biggest impact against the run and will earn his keep in the NFL. Does a good job of taking on run blocks with good base/leverage. Can anchor and hold his ground against one-on-one and double-team run blocks. Has consistently shown the ability to stand up the blocker and clog up the hole to stop running plays at him. Grade: 8.5
Pass rush: Is consistently productive collapsing the pocket when he bull rushes aggressively and gets good backfield penetration shooting gaps. Has no real variety of pass-rush moves and usually gets tied up and kept on the line of scrimmage. Grade: 6.0
Initial quickness: Is consistently quick off the ball for a nose tackle, which enables him to be a constantly disruptive force. Can jolt and drive offensive linemen backward into the quarterback's lap when he bull rushes aggressively. Is able to keep the blocker on his back and has the speed to chase down plays in pursuit. Can drive through contact in the gap and blow up a play in the backfield. Has an explosive closing burst to the ballcarrier to finish plays. Grade: 7.5
Run/pass recognition: Is a instinctive defender who sniffs out the play quickly. Gets moving quickly at the snap of the ball because of his instincts and snap anticipation. Has a real knack for finding the ballcarrier in traffic. Grade: 8.0
Pursuit/tackling: Has the speed to chase down the ballcarrier and make the tackle when left unblocked on the backside. Uses his strength to consistently get his man to the ground, even when he can only get one hand on the ballcarrier. Grade: 8.0
Bottom line: Jenkins is a big, thick-bodied defensive tackle who jumped off film when our scouts initially evaluated him in 2009 and then continued impressing with his play in 2010. He consistently makes tackles and disrupts plays so that the offense cannot run successfully. While he can be a productive starting 2-gap defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, his value is highest as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. Many may not view Jenkins as highly as we think of him, but he has the talent to become a solid starter in the NFL.