I highly doubt CB Janoris Jenkins will still be avaliable when the Packers pick late in the first round of the NFL draft, but if he is, Ted Thompson has an interesting decision to make.
On paper, Jenkins vs. Harrison Smith is a complete mismatch. Jenkins is by far the more talented and superior player. But when you factor in concerns about Jenkins off the field and the Packers need for a safety after releasing Nick Collins, the matchup becomes closer.
Jenkins is a cocky, in-your-face, man-to-man, physical cover corner. You can put him on an island against any WR and he’s not going to back down. He’ll take on whomever he’s asked to cover, not ask for any help, and have a good chance of winning the battle.
Smith is one of the better safeties in a weak safety class and almost plays like an extra linebacker. I don’t see him as a guy who can cover the field against deep passing attacks, but I do think he’ll be good in the box against the run and as a blitzer. Think of him sort of as a lite version of Charles Woodson.
If Jenkins and Smith are still out there when the Packers pick (I’m 99 percent sure Smith will be), I think the Packers should take Jenkins. I know Jenkins’ off-field issues don’t make him “Packer People,” but he’s too talented to pass up, especially as QBs, WRs and TEs continue to get better in the NFC North. Yes, Jenkins has character issues, but Mike McCarthy, Charles Woodson and others in the Packers organization should be able to help Jenkins in that area as long as he shows a willingness to work hard on the field and make a few changes off of it.
(Side note: People who know a lot more about this sort of stuff than I do seem to think that Jenkins will be around late in the first, maybe even into the second round.)
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Adam Czech is a a freelance sports reporter living in the Twin Cities and a proud supporter of American corn farmers. When not working, Adam is usually writing about, thinking about or worrying about the Packers. Follow Adam on Twitter. Twitter .
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1st Rnd means top shelf. ROLB or DE/NT.
The blue chips are off the table but I’d prefer say zeitler over this CB as there are other CB later.
The priority needs to be ROLB, DE/NT (to take pressure off of RAJI and Pick) and then SS / CB – Fix the problem and/or trade some picks / players to get extra 2nd and 3rds.
Of course if a 1st rnd grade is available for any position (like RB) in later rounds TT needs to pick them (BAP)
I agree with you 100%. Jenkins could be the best Cornerback in the draft. It’s just his off field issues that have teams concerned. I think he’ll easily provide a solid impact right away for Green Bay. Could move Woodson to Safety.