Whatever you're smoking, I want some--and the quality seems to be getting better and better as we approach the actual draft.
Barwin is a HUGE risk at 23; Jenkins is the closest to a sure thing future pro bowler as anyone in the draft. With the stellar Hobbs as our #1 CB and FA in 2010, plus nothing but question marks on the other side (like last year) you'd pass on Jenkins for your binkie? Really is a moot point though, as no way in hell Jenkins falls to us at 23. Period.
Glad you approve.
I said that mostly in jest, as the opportunity was too good to pass up and I figured I would provoke a nice response. However, there is a grain of serious thought here.
First, I assume the FO will make their board and stick to it, regardless of what the pundits think. They didn't hesitate to take Mayo at 10 when he was rated a mid-to-late 1st rounder, Warren at 13 when he was a late 1st/2nd rounder, and Mankins at 31 when he was a 3rd round pick on most boards. And they won't hesitate to take ****** or anyone else they want if that's who they think is the best value, regardless of what big names are available.
Second, there are some legitimate concerns about Jenkins as a CB for the Pats. His 40 time is one thing, but he didn't look particularly good flipping his hips or in agility drills at the combine. If the FO doesn't like what they saw from his visit and he falls to 23, they may pass. As a safety he'd be a pure FS, and I'm not sure he would be a particularly good complement to Meriweather.
Third, they may have other prospects rated similarly and choose to pass at 23 to take someone else. Sean Smith comes to mind as one possibility. Here's what Gosselin had to say about Sean Smith yesterday:
"The NFL loves big cornerbacks who can run. That's a key reason Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins sits atop the cornerbackback board in the 2009 draft. He's 6-0, 204 pounds and runs a 4.51 40. That gives Jenkins the chance to compete against both big and small receivers at the next level. But Sean Smith is bigger and faster than Jenkins. At 6-3, 214 pounds, he's huge by NFL cornerback standards. He also has the longest arms on the cornerback board at 34 5/8 inches. So even if he gets beat on a deep route -- he has 4.50 speed -- the arm length buys him an extra step because the quarterback still must clear his reach with the pass for a completion. Smith reminds me of Bobby Taylor, another 6-3 cornerback who entered the NFL in the second round. He became a Pro Bowler at Philadelphia and teamed with Troy Vincent earlier this decade to give the Eagles a formidable cornerback tandem. Smith is leaving his senior season on the table at Utah to turn pro early. He was an All-Mountain West selection last season with his five interceptions. Size doesn't slide very far on draft day at any position."
Smith actually looked more fluid with better hips than Jenkins at the combine. And he may have a higher ceiling. And he may be a better complement to Meriweather at S than Jenkins. May. And he'll probably go in the 2nd round.
I don't think Jenkins falls to 23, and I don't think we pass if he does. And I think he'll be excellent. But I'm not 100% convinced, and if the FO sees something to make them pass then it's fine with me. IBWT. That's all.
