I cannot decide what impresses me more, the Washington Redskins passing up rookie quarterbacks, none of whom could help them this year, or Washington angling for all those extra draft picks. The team with a perennial shortage of picks has 14 in this draft. More on that later.
With the 41st pick, The Redskins selected Clemson DL Jarvis Jenkins. It was the team’s second player to be added to the defense and the second building block player–lineman or linebacker–added this draft.
Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen don’t act as though the ‘Skins are a player away from the Super Bowl.
Like the Redskins first round draft pick Ryan Kerrigan, Jenkins was a senior. Better yet, he was a three-year starter for Clemson that has become something of a factory for NFL-caliber defensive lineman.
Jenkins is a self-described run-stopper who knows how to fill gaps and collapse pocket. That would describe Philip Daniels, too.
NFL Draft Scout describes him thus:
“Jenkins’ unique blend of size, strength and surprising athleticism makes him one of the most position and scheme-versatile defensive linemen in the draft. He won’t excite fans with his ability to sack the quarterback, but can pressure the pocket, block kicks (Clemson’s career leader with four) and hold up nicely against the run. Whether being scouted as a defensive tackle in the 4-3 or moved out to defensive end in the 3-4 alignment, Jenkins rates quietly rates among the more versatile defensive linemen in the 2011 draft.
Head coach Mike Shanahan said, “He has pretty good size, good quickness, explosion.”I like the way he reacts and plays the run. He has the skills we look for.”
Here’s a nugget gleaned from Jenkins Clemson Tigers profile page: his position coach was Dan Brooks who was Albert Haynesworth’s position coach.
Greg Trippiedi ranked Jenkins 87th on his 2011 Draft Big Board.
Optimum Scouting ranked Jenkins 115 on its 2011 Top 400.
See Jenkins Clemson Tigers profile page here.
The Redskins traded the 49th Draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts for the 53rd and 159th picks. The Colts used the 49th pick to draft OG Ben Ijalana.
The Redskins traded the 53rd pick to the Chicago Bears for the 62nd and the 127th pick (fourth round). They traded the 62nd pick for the 79th pick, and additional picks in the fifth and seventh rounds.
When Washington got back to drafting, they selected Miami wide receiver Leonard Hankerson who broke Michael Irvin’s single-season touchdown mark with 13 scoring receptions in 2010. Hankerson was a senior and team leader like all of the Redskins’ selectees thus far.
Hankerson is working with Andre’ Johnson and Hall of Fame candidate Chris Carter, who happened to be his high school position coach, to prep for the pros. NFL Draft Scout compares Hankerson to former Vikings Sidney Rice and a good fit for the West Coast Offense.
Greg Trippiedi ranked Hankerson 22nd on his 2011 NFL Draft Big Board.
Optimum Scouting ranked Hankerson 19th on his 2011 Top 400.
For Hankerson’s profile on hurricanesports.cstv.com, look here.
Another Kudo to the front office for not taking one of those slick skill players who look good on paper but without proven, long-term performance at the collegiate level.
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