Malcolm Jenkins didn’t wow the scouts with his 40 time, but everyone realizes he’s an impact player who can help at corner or at free safety, so many expect him to go high in the 2009 NFL draft.
Anthony Stalter has him going to the Patriots.
23. New England Patriots: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Several media outlets (including Don Banks of SI.com) say that Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler is a lock to go to New England at this pick. Which is exactly why I’m going with Jenkins. Every time a player is a “lock” to go to a team past the top 10, it’s usually wrong and I don’t trust anything coming out of New England around this time because Bill Belichick is the last person to let any draft information leak. Jenkins is a perfect fit for Belichick’s scheme because he’s smart, intuitive and has a great head on his shoulders. He would be a solid pick here.
The National Football Post has him ranked as the 15th best player in the draft.
15. CB/FS Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
Offers some versatility to an NFL secondary; possesses the ball skills and footwork to play either corner or safety.
ESPN’s Todd McShay has him going with the 14th pick, as does his colleague at ESPN, Mel Kiper.
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Top three needs: OLB, FS, RB
The Saints have been rumored to have their eye on Jenkins’ former teammate Beanie Wells, but Jenkins is the safer pick here. He has the versatility to play both corner and safety but would fit best at free safety on a New Orleans defense that is in desperate need of playmakers on the back end.
If the Browns get an extra pick we might even see Jenkins in a Browns uniform.
