Rayshawn Jenkins, S: Physical, Aggressive, A Solid Option For Safety Depth

Rayshawn Jenkins, S
School: Miami | Conference: ACC
College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 214 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th or 5th Round
NFL Comparison: Tre Boston

College Statistics

Player Overview

Rayshawn Jenkins was my favorite player to watch at Miami outside of Corn Elder on defense. He worked his way into the starting safety spot in 2013 and had an impressive season as a full-time starter. He hurt his back which made him sit out all of 2014. He got back on the field and has had relatively good ascending production ever since. What stands out about Jenkins is his competitive spirit and passion on the field. You’d expect that out of any Miami player but Jenkins is the type of guy that wants to be involved in every play. His motor and effort will serve him well. He made plays all over the field this year and can play both safety spots though prototypically he may fit better at SS. Jenkins has good vision and anticipation but one thing that was maddening about him was his lack to capitalize on interception opportunities. This is a guy that could have had around 5-7 interceptions this year had he been able to haul them in. Regardless, Rayshawn is going to make his mark as a physical player on special teams and may even get a chance to start on NFL teams looking for immediate safety help.

Strengths

• Great size for the position and is well built. Has a very aggressive nature on the field.
• Looks to finish plays and players. Has no problem coming up to the LOS and defending the run or going across the middle and saying hi to a WR. He shows great pursuit and understanding of angles.
• Solid tackler that sets his base and goes for the center mass.
• Solid coverage defender than anticipates well. He has good enough speed and acceleration to provide help over the top and stick with RBs and TEs.

Weaknesses

• Not sure if his hands or bad, he loses focus, or his reaction is just too slow but he left a lot of big plays in the field in terms of dropped interceptions. Must learn how to hang on to the ball in the pro’s if he wants to carve out a long-term starting role.
• Can be hesitant in his decision making and close in coverage. Inconsistent. Peaks what the QB is doing and waits to see where the ball is going before he commits to his assignment.
• Is too tight in his movements out of his backpedal or when he needs to change direction. An average athlete with 2 gears max. Would not want him all alone on Beckham or Bryant.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

I think Jenkins has an outside shot of becoming a full-time NFL starter at the safety position in a couple years after being with a good coach. Though he can play both positions I would try him at SS before FS because of his stiffness and hesitancy issues. He would provide much-needed depth at the position and would be a fine backup option to either Su’a Cravens or D.J. Swearinger. Not to belittle the guys currently on the roster at the position but they were pretty bad last year so I can’t see why a player like Rayshawn can’t come in and grab one of the backup roles. Jenkins needs some more time in the oven before he’s ready to take on a starting role but he can be a full-time contributor on special teams on day 1. I would sleep comfortably at night knowing this kid is covering kicks and punts for the team. Jenkins is a solid tackler and a high effort aggressive player he has the physical and mental traits the team is looking for but he lacks the consistency with his turnover ability and hesitancy to will require some patience and nurturing to fix. In a couple years, I’d reassess his development. He could become a solid contributor.