re: Payton comments on Jenkins Pick

more Payton-

What is it about Jenkins that makes him able to play cornerback or safety?
“He’s smart; he has real good ball skills; and he has the size and toughness that you look for in a defensive back. He has versatility, but we felt in evaluating him that he was an exceptional corner at Ohio State. I like his size. He’s extremely intelligent. I think he’s a guy that’s very competitive. We think he’s a guy – and you guys will have a chance soon to visit with him – we think he’s very mature and this transition for him, or for any of these guys, is a pretty steep learning curve. I think his intangibles when it comes to football IQ, toughness – those are all things that will help him be successful at this next level, regardless of position.”



Did you have any questions about his speed?
“We didn’t see those as big issues. We felt like we were getting a real good football player; a guy that has been consistent there at Ohio State. There are so many things about him that we like. We were thrilled that he was there at 14.”



Do you see him as a starter right away?
“We don’t ever see a draft pick as a starter right away. You have to bring these guys in and let them compete. In fairness to our current roster, we would never do that.”


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For the love of God please don't get caught up in the 40 time. Last year I had the honor to meet a successful LSU skill player at a training facility last year about a month before the draft through a family friend. We talked about his preparation, the upcoming combine. Talk led to his former teamates and the draft. Ali highsmith came up. The player I met said "I asked him to come work with us (he and trainer) but he declined." he told me that player I met and his trainer had shaved off 1 and 1/2 tenths off his 40 time from learning the phases and technique for that run. He said Ali could have easily done that if not more but he was worried he wasn't being "taught" how to run it.

I would put money on it that Jenkins is game fast but lining up and running the 40 is completely different. Kiper was saying that 1 tenth faster on the 40 and he would have definitely been top 10. I'm willing to bet with the correct teaching and a couple of technique tweaks could have shaved off at least a tenth on his forty.