Elgton Jenkins did serve as the Bulldogs’ starting center. Starting all 13 games in 2018, his versatility and blocking skills may entice the Los Angeles Rams to draft him. Jenkins could be a good replacement for the departing center John Sullivan. He would need to compete with current backup Brian Allen for the starting role.
College stats and honors:
- Led the Bulldogs to four-straight bowl game appearances.
- Only allowed 1 sack in 762 snaps from 2017-2018.
- Awarded Entergy/Kent Hull trophy.
- One of the main reasons Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald became the all-time leading rushing quarterback in the SEC.
Strengths:
Jenkins brings a little more size to the position at 6’4” and 310 pounds. He uses size to his advantage to become a solid pass blocker. Jenkins can play every position on the offensive line. During his Pro Day he lined up at center, guard and tackle. Selecting Jenkins would basically give a team a utility player on the offensive line.
As a big man, Jenkins is able to use his wide frame to his advantage. Defenders generally have to attempt to go around him since he’s able to contain the interior. He’s in the upper echelon of hand placement among other offensive linemen prospect. Defenders generally aren’t given a second opportunity to make a play in the backfield. He’s especially gifted at run blocking, and mastered the art of creating holes for the ground game.
Weaknesses:
Although Jenkins is quick on his feet, he needs work on being more patient in the trenches. He’s easy to read, which will lead to blown plays on the NFL level. A huge concern is that doesn’t drive defenders backward. This will lead to pass deflections at the line of scrimmage. Jenkins does have a history for missing several snap counts. An example of this came during the Alabama game causing fumbles and penalties. These kinds of mistakes cannot happen in the NFL.
Expected Draft Round:
Jenkins will likely be a Day 2 draft pick. The Rams could use his physicality and his versatility to play at center or guard. With the departure of both Sullivan and Rodger Saffold, the Rams need solid replacements to continue to protect QB Jared Goff. They Rams do also have a meeting scheduled with him soon. The Washington Redskins, New York Jets and New York Giants are showing interest in him too.
Sources: ESPN.com, NFL.com, Mississippitoday.org
You can follow Erik Ho on Twitter @EHoinSDLVLA. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
