Malcom Jenkins and Measurables

by Misfit74 on Mar 25, 2009 3:34 PM PDT Comment 6 comments

We have talked extensively about Malcom Jenkins already, but I wanted to present some information about three of his key measurables in relation to some other players.

Some have wondered how Jenkins compares to Shawn Springs, who was selected 3rd overall in the 1997 NFL draft by Seattle. Also, many of us probably still wonder if Jenkins is a player Seattle could be targeting with the 4th overall pick in this year's draft, as FG discussed here in an earlier mock draft.

I have had a hard time finding information for players as far back as Springs, but here is some data regarding Jenkins in relation to some current NFL players with regards to not only his 40 time, but two other measurables deemed important by the study linked at the end ( comprised of OurLads.com and Gil Brandt's scouting reports, mainly).

Keep in mind that my goal here is not to make a case for the general value of 40-times, which are often overrated and overhyped. The information from the study referenced here clearly states that the 40-time is the most important attribute for both Cornerback and Safety. That said, speed is a key element in this post. There are obviously other factors involved in scouting, and here is a brief glimpse at some numbers, specific to the CB and S postions.

Ultimately, I'm undecided about Jenkins, while still hesitant to declare him a quality option for Seattle. The reasons for trepidation are simple. Jenkins lacks the elite speed of an ideal top-5 prospect.

Jenkins is not have elite speed for a Cornerback, but his times in other drills do showcase his great athleticism.

Are his other qualities enough to override this one shortcoming?

Cornerbacks

While it’s not crucial to run a 4.28 40, the 40-yd dash is the #1 most important attribute for cornerbacks. After the 40, the top-4 are rounded out by the 3-cone, short shuttle, and broad jump.

83% of starting corners exceeded their peer average in the 40 (<4.49); 78% of the guys on two-deeps did as well. The 40 is the #1 attribute for corners.

40-yard dash - CB (Avg. 4.49), Jenkins: 4.54 (He had been credited with a 4.59 at the combine. Jenkins, electronically timed at the combine at 4.64 seconds, registered times between 4.42-4.51 on his two attempts Friday at his Pro Day)

Notable corner 40 times: Brandon McDonald 4.47, Marlin Jackson
4.46, Brandon Carr and Carlos Rogers 4.44, Darrelle Revis and Leon
Hall 4.39, Ellis Hobbs 4.38, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 4.33, and
Chris Houston 4.32.

Three-Cone - CB (Avg 6.98), Jenkins: 6.59

Notables: Marlin Jackson 6.96, Chris Houston 6.94, Brandon McDonald
6.91, Brandon Carr 6.80, Ellis Hobbs 6.70, Darrelle Revis 6.56, and
Leon Hall 6.50.

ShortShuttle - CB (Avg 4.21), Jenkins: 4.07

Notables: Rodgers-Cromartie 4.14, Chris Houston 4.12, Ellis Hobbs
4.08, Marlin Jackson 4.04, and Carlos Rogers 3.84. Rogers’ 3.84 is tied
with Marquice Cole for the best short shuttle time since the 2005 class
came out.

Jenkins is not have elite speed for a Safety.

Safeties

40-Yard Dash – Safety At 74% for starters, 70% for two-deepers, and 69% for rostered
safeties, the 40 is by far and away the most important attribute at the position. If a safety prospect is looking for just one attribute to exceed peer average, pick the 40.

40-yd Dash - S (Avg 4.58), Jenkins: 4.42-4.51

Notables: Kerry Rhodes 4.56, Chris Harris 4.55, Atari Bigby and
Michael Johnson 4.53, Roman Harper 4.50, Eric Weddle 4.48, Brandon
Meriweather 4.47, Ko Simpson 4.45, Antoine Bethea 4.39, Nick Collins
and Donte Whitner 4.38, and LaRon Landry and Reggie Nelson 4.35.

Well, that was fun. I'm sparing the other details for Safety. The other attributes matter much more for corner (according to the study). I can't say my view of 'pass on Jenkins' has really changed, but I was impressed in comparing some of his non-40 numbers. Also, I was surprised to learn that Safties like LeRon Landry and Reggie Nelson ran 4.3s...

I don't think Jenkins is the next Shawn Springs or LeRon Landry. He could very well become a fine NFL starter, but please, just not on our dollar with the 1.04. Now, hopefully Ruskell doesn't make me look like an idiot by drafting him. There are plenty of reasons why he could. At least him being 5'8" would not be one of them.

You can find the source of most all the date referenced here.

A place to bury strangers.

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Comments

Lots of great fanposts lately.

What I noticed most about Jenkins at the combine is that while he has a below average 40 time, his other drills were not only above average, but top 5 at the cornerback position. I’m not sure how often this happens, and I almost never see a WR run a 40 time all out unimpeded, even if it is a hail-mary type route, there is usually as light change in direction, a slight shake move, or even a hand on their shoulder within the first yards from the cornerback.
Speed is very important, but if everything else is above average (instincts and game awareness included), then I think Jenkins is a fairly safe pick.

by LantermanC on Mar 25, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

One of the interesting things discussed (and you mentioned) is that his other times were outstanding. I just don’t know enough to understand if they can make up for the lack of speed relative to his position. The numbers (and tape) might suggest that his fluid hips could allow him to stay with guys throughout the course of a route, making his long speed less relevant. I don’t know.

I also appreciate good ‘closing speed’ with corners from D.Sanders to even Josh Wilson. It’s a special gift that I don’t know if Jenkins has. I just want whoever we take at 1.04 to be very special.

by Misfit74 on Mar 25, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think there is a critical factor that many forget...

…and that is that you (well not YOU but "one") can be sure that a CB with 4.54 40 speed is NOT going to be matched up on opposing Split end’s who are running wheel routes all day.

Jenkins great LOS play (ability to jam) makes him a great #2 CB against opposing flankers (#2’s).

Often times, a teams #1 WR doesn’t have the blazing speed but uses their incredible size to gain an advantage through strength and leverage (ala Larry Fitzgerald). Jenkins tremendous strength would be a perfect counterpoint to a guy like Boldin or Fitz.

I think draftnik’s and experts get way too caught up on 40 times and bench reps, and forget that Jenkins “lack of speed” certainly didn’t prevent him from dominating in the Big 10.

by iverson2169 on Mar 27, 2009 1:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

How high, in your opinion, should a #2 Corner be drafted, I wonder? Like I said, he may become a quality starter, but I think his shortcomings could very well prevent him from becoming an elite NFL player.

by Misfit74 on Mar 27, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you completely..

It really does depend on the situation he’s moving into doesn’t it?

The NFC West, for example, is loaded with BIG WR’s. If a team were a physical CB away from contending, it may raise his value for that team. The detroit Lions, in contrast, would probably de-value Jenkins because there are so many other areas of need.

by iverson2169 on Mar 27, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs