Packers Select Elgton Jenkins, Center in 2019 NFL Draft - Round 2
CAREER NOTES:
Jenkins was a three-star college prosect according to 247Sports. He started three games as a redshirt freshman and started five games as a sophomore and was ranked second in the SEC in pass blocking efficiency with 97.8 percentile. As a junior in 2017, he started all 13 games at center and was part of an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC. As a senior in 2018, he started all 13 games, and was awarded the Kent Hull Trophy, whicih is the top offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi. Played 773 snaps and earned first-team All-America by The Athletic. Jenkins was the No. 1 center prospect according to NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper.
MEASURABLES/COMBINE:
n/a 40 / 29 bench press reps / 28 vert / 109 broad jump / 7.77 cone drill / 4.62 shuttle
SCOUTING REPORT:
NFL.COM: Efficient if unexciting prospect with the size, power and length at center to match with a variety of interior challengers across from him. Jenkins has the core strength to handle down and base blocking duties, but he could leave offensive line coaches wanting more if asked to handle challenging blocks in space. His tape against the best SEC's best teams over his last two seasons indicates an ability to become an effective, early NFL starter.
The Draft Network: Rarely blows assignments. Cerebrally, should impress coaches with his ability to recognize pressure and communicate at the pivot spot. Smart, well-spoken, considered the brain of the Mississippi State offensive line. Has played every position except right guard while in college. Despite listed size, doesn't play like he has overwhelming physical or athletic traits. Not explosive out of his stance and doesn't attack opponents with an aggressiveness that threatens their run fit off the snap. Can struggle to reach quicker players in zone schemes due to slow feet. Not a finisher. Needs to show more aggression and leg drive to latch and stay on defenders, too often doesn't sustain his blocks.
COMMENTARY:
General Manager Brian Gutekunst is going back to what he said in his pre-draft presser: versatility. Jenkins can play any position on the line, which is very important given the fact that this offensive line seems to one or two injuries away from total devastation. Jenkins proved his mettle in the always tough SEC and is exactly the type of nasty, offensive lineman that this team needs. He may be asked to play guard before takiing right tackle Bryan Bulaga's job.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (105)
Ryan3468
April 26, 2019 at 07:36 pm
Sounds like a versatile offensive linemen. Hope he can help this team for years to come.
JonathanSpader
April 27, 2019 at 09:29 am
LLLLEEEERRRROOOOYYY JJJJEEEENNNNKKKKIIINNNNSSSS
Leatherhead
April 26, 2019 at 07:41 pm
Another versatile guy.
Thegreatreynoldo
April 26, 2019 at 07:42 pm
I didn't think he could play guard, and isn't known for having any lateral ability.
McFly
April 26, 2019 at 07:58 pm
Yeah I don’t really get the pick, doesn’t seem to fit the profile of a ZBS interior lineman.
HankScorpio
April 27, 2019 at 06:11 am
Luke Getsy was his OC last year. I cannot imagine them drafting Jenkins without Getsy signing off on his versatility and ability to thrive in the Packers offense. The draft is always some guesswork. But it is rare to have such informed guesswork as the Packers would have on this pick.
McFly
April 27, 2019 at 09:45 am
Good point and he’s a good player, I just thought they would look for someone who could get to the second level and finish better in space . They could have waited until #75 and got the same type of player, even possibly the same player.
Did Getsy run the ZBS last season? If not, I don’t think his endorsement is all that valuable.
Wilment
April 26, 2019 at 07:43 pm
Im liking this pick a lot. He is going to be a guard for us for a loooooong time. Big strong guy, Great pick!!
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 07:44 pm
I guess the pick is ok?
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 08:15 pm
A B Grade. Hot Damn. smoking.
BamaPackFan
April 27, 2019 at 08:26 pm
Way to take a stand. If I don't know, I assume the GBP staff does. So far, they still have the benefit of any doubt.
Dzehren
April 26, 2019 at 07:45 pm
Excellent pick. Day 1 starting guard & back up center.
2 issues solved.
tm_inter
April 26, 2019 at 08:27 pm
Also back-up right and left tackle, when necessary.
AgrippaLII
April 26, 2019 at 08:31 pm
I think Madison and Turner will be the starting guards and they are already on the roster...so we spent a third round pick on a backup interior lineman when what we needed at the very least was a tackle!
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 08:40 pm
Why do you think Madison will be a starter? Based on the year he sat out? Don't get me wrong, I hope he does well, but he's essentially a 5th round rookie.
Tundraboy
April 26, 2019 at 09:23 pm
That's three more players than we had last year,and most likely a huge improvement over what we threw out on the field by seasons end.
Tabin
April 27, 2019 at 07:36 am
Taylor will have something to say too on the G position and Jenkins is better than Madison and probably Taylor at this point. Also don´t forget next year is lst contract year for Taylor and Linsley and the cap hit will be 5,9M and 10,5M. I doubt that both are in the roster in 2020. Jenkins is a great pick for the outside zone that LaFleur runs. He can play G , and is and excelent C so maybe Linsley is not on the future plans of the Packers. I hope is not the case.
NickPerry
April 27, 2019 at 09:22 am
Turner can kick out and play RT should Bulaga get injured. Unless somethings radically changed in Spriggs game he could be on his way out in GB or maybe the 8th or 9th linemen out of 8 or 9.
Depending what Madison shows the Packers may not want to put him on the practice squad and risk losing him. It wouldn't surprise me much if Madison passes Spriggs even after a year off at either of the Guard positions. I'd be more than okay with Turner at RT, Jenkins at RG in a pinch should BB miss any time.
Guam
April 27, 2019 at 10:20 am
How do you get a dislike for this comment? Turner played RT for Denver last year so has proven ability to play that spot. Jenkins is a center/guard and would likely be first up to move should Turner need to move to RT. NP was just stating the obvious...….
BamaPackFan
April 27, 2019 at 08:34 pm
Someone will get hurt. It's a tough sport. We really didn't have a good backup center... now we do. He also can back up guard and tackle. A very valuable piece, plus he just might be good enough to win one of the guard spots outright. He is a tough, smart guy. I like it. Plus, if Cole can play up to our original projection, he is a backup Tackle who can also play guard.
dobber
April 26, 2019 at 07:46 pm
Important piece on game day active roster: a guy who can back up all the interior OL positions and maybe even play some T. McCray has been replaced. The question is: can he beat anyone out for a starter's role in 2019?
packerbackerjim
April 26, 2019 at 07:53 pm
God I hope so!
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 08:11 pm
Max Scharping OT really moved up.
Dzehren
April 26, 2019 at 08:13 pm
GB current subpar guards have been replaced by Turner and Big E! They both excel in outside zone blocking and operating in space.
AgrippaLII
April 26, 2019 at 08:53 pm
The write up I read at Draftek says Jenkins has to improve his batting average getting to the second level...so it doesn't sound like he excels to me.
NickPerry
April 26, 2019 at 09:19 pm
No offense Bud but Draftek isn't the most reliable site for draft information. BUT he doesn't seem like ideal fit for a ZBS but we'll see I guess. Love the versatility he brings but so far every single pick has had me wishing for someone else on the board available.
Maybe this one will grow on me too.
Tundraboy
April 26, 2019 at 09:27 pm
Yup. I feel like we just went shopping ,but came back with a lot of nice stuff but nothing we really, really wanted.
I do hope to eat those words. Looking forward to that.
Dzehren
April 26, 2019 at 09:30 pm
Correct. The article by JIM OWCZARSKI from GB press Gazette interviewed GB scout Charles Walls who talked to Liuke Getsy former MISS St Offensive Coordinator that they drafted him to play guard and he is ultra athletic and would be a great fit in new scheme.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 08:42 pm
I'm sure he can beat out Spriggs. I think I can beat out Spriggs.
JonathanSpader
April 26, 2019 at 10:56 pm
$20 on Spriggs beating out Irish_Cheesehead
JakeDickerson
April 27, 2019 at 01:44 pm
Quit making sense Dobber. I’ll never understand why this fan base thinks they can do a better job picking these players without doing anything other than looking at Mocks and reading write ups by other “scouts”.
crayzpackfan
April 26, 2019 at 07:48 pm
Glad they went offense. Was hoping for Risner to fall or take Irv Smith. But I’m happy.
crayzpackfan
April 26, 2019 at 07:48 pm
Glad they went offense. Was hoping for Risner to fall or take Irv Smith. But I’m happy.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 08:44 pm
Packers were looking hard at Texas A&M tight end Jace Sternberger before the draft.
jeremyjjbrown
April 26, 2019 at 09:17 pm
And they just got him.
JakeDickerson
April 27, 2019 at 09:30 am
Risner did fall...just not far enough.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 07:50 pm
That Mile Sanders RB looked REAL GOOD. I would have taken him over our 44th pick.
Rak43
April 26, 2019 at 07:59 pm
I'm thinking Gute will go either TE or RB in round 3.
Rossonero
April 26, 2019 at 08:39 pm
Rak47: I think it'll be Jace Sternberger.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:14 pm
Ok..we shall see the guy is shifty. Not explosive but sure makes people miss. Just has to secure the ball.
HankScorpio
April 27, 2019 at 05:56 am
Sanders was a favorite of mine during my many draft simulations but only after I had accumulated additional picks via trading down. Since the Packers have only gone up so far, I'm glad they passed. They have bigger holes to address...like Edge, Safety, OL and TE.
Bure9620
April 26, 2019 at 08:06 pm
He can Anchor! Big time. His reps against Q Williams were impressive. Not sure I see him getting out in space and finishing people, but a solid pick. Lane Taylor may be sleeping less now.
dobber
April 26, 2019 at 08:10 pm
He's going to get to see a lot of Kenny Clark in practice...
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:20 pm
You should. R. Gary is going to have to try and tackle him.
HankScorpio
April 27, 2019 at 05:58 am
The Packers defensive front 6/7 is going to make a nice test for their interior OL. I think they are still a little weak on outside pass rush but they have tons of inside pass rush ability.
Johnblood27
April 26, 2019 at 09:01 pm
you bastard!
you killed Kenny!
AgrippaLII
April 26, 2019 at 08:15 pm
It figures...same as last year! Need a tackle so we draft a guard who "might" be able to fill in at tackle. I like the player but he's not what the offensive line needed.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 08:46 pm
The draft is only one piece of the puzzle. Gute isn't finished after this weekend.
splitpea1
April 26, 2019 at 08:19 pm
Wow--three new interior linemen this off-season: good for AR's health and good for the running game. I like the fact that we'll be able to convert short third downs the more traditional way.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 08:25 pm
Isabella gone to cards. The kid is going to be a STAR!!
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 08:29 pm
who’s left to get in 3rd?
Rossonero
April 26, 2019 at 08:40 pm
Jace Sternberger the TE.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 08:47 pm
Yep, Packers spent a lot of time with Sternberger before the draft. That's my guess. I'd love the pick!
BamaPackFan
April 26, 2019 at 09:07 pm
I really wanted him to be a Packer.
BamaPackFan
April 26, 2019 at 09:07 pm
I really wanted him to be a Packer.
John Galt
April 26, 2019 at 08:34 pm
That is one flabby gut he's got there. Reminds of an Alabama RB we had recently that ate too many donuts and came to camp weighing as much as a swelte DE.
Swisch
April 26, 2019 at 08:57 pm
In the above tape, he looked really trim at the combine, and apparently impressed with his agility.
Oppy
April 27, 2019 at 05:07 am
What and enlightened comparison- the physique of a Running Back to that of an Offensive Lineman.
That's a useful observation.
Rossonero
April 26, 2019 at 08:43 pm
I like the pick. He's got damn long arms, so he could possibly be Bulaga's future replacement.
Packers scout Charles Wall talked about his versatility. We have needed depth so bad for a long time. Lane Taylor is in a contract year too, so it puts him on notice as well, but I love how he can play all over the line.
Johnblood27
April 26, 2019 at 09:03 pm
apply for the job.
I'm sure it pays more than you earn.
if you get it I bow to you.
if not- STFU!
Johnblood27
April 26, 2019 at 09:04 pm
drop this down one.
phone posting sux
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:20 pm
Jace S.
The concern: He’s not an awful blocker but he’s not a good one, either. The lack of elite speed could become a problem against the bigger, faster defenders he’ll face in the NFL. Some of the production is based on pure volume; his catch rate of 60.5 percent was one of the lowest among our top prospects. Really, though, there’s not a lot to nitpick.
Adorabelle
April 26, 2019 at 08:46 pm
Who are these experts that make the grades for picks? How do they get their credentials to be able to grade other peoples picks? They are experts because they said they are experts? I want to see some stats on these guys. Mel Kiper Pick success rate, grade correct rate under his name whenever he talks. Otherwise why is his point of view more important than any cranky dude here?
Seriously the most overevaluated thing in history - the NFL draft. The show I want to see is a reshowing of the 2014 0r 2015 draft with pick by pick analysis of what happened to this player and if the pick was successful or not. Way more interesting than pure guesswork like this stuff. I mean really, my crystal ball is as useful as these speculations, and my crystal ball is pretty dusty.
Bart_Starred
April 27, 2019 at 01:58 am
Excellent points Adorabelle. I’ve been hoping for years that someone would air a breakdown of the draft analyses of Mel Kiper, Trey Wingo, et al so we’d know just how accurate these people have been. Then we could grade their accuracy and factor that in to whatever comments they make. My guess is the networks won’t go near producing such a program for fear of exposing the actual accuracy levels of these “expert analysts”.
Since'61
April 27, 2019 at 08:53 am
They are not there to get the draft correct, they are there to get ratings. It's the job of GMs to get their drafts correct. It's the job of the TV airhead s to get people to watch or to get clicks on web sites/blogs and/or to get people to read their articles etc. Thanks, Since '61
Bart_Starred
April 27, 2019 at 09:37 am
Yeah I get the ratings thing, but still I think it would be helpful to know for instance if say 67% of Mel Kiper’s “can’t miss-day-1-starter-perennial-pro bowler” comments were about players who were out of the league two years later. Or, if in fact he was correct 92% of the time when making such comments. Just for the sake of putting what they say in some kind of perspective.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:04 pm
The Packers lost me with the 1st pick at #12 and I have been completely confused ever since. I'm lost.
Johnblood27
April 26, 2019 at 09:05 pm
thank you amelia earhardt.
Red Foreman
April 26, 2019 at 09:20 pm
Now, that’s funny. Laughed out loud.
IceBowl
April 27, 2019 at 02:14 pm
Doug,
Something you can comment on accurately.
But I think you need to give a little more thought to when it ("confused, lost") started though.
tm_inter
April 26, 2019 at 09:08 pm
The Packers picked TE Jace Sternberger as widely speculated in the 3rd round.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:09 pm
Another loser. This draft is absolutely pathetic.
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 09:10 pm
wow
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Tell us how u really feel Doug
Red Foreman
April 26, 2019 at 09:27 pm
He did....about 50 times since last night.
Adorabelle
April 27, 2019 at 12:50 am
There's one thing I can predict in this draft. This gentleman will dislike the pick no matter who it is. But the Vegas odds are quite bad so you really got to put down a fistful to get any return. It seems the wise guys know he will say every pick stinks as well. At this point you can really only make any money by betting he will like a pick, but that doesn't seem wise.
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 09:13 pm
Awesome pick! He'll be our top TE for years. Kid can ball.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:16 pm
now..now. we would be going to the Super Bowl if I was making the picks. Oh, the mediocrity of this team.
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 09:20 pm
Doug i think the picks have been a little better than pathetic
Oppy
April 27, 2019 at 05:12 am
Yeah, Doug. You're the guy who is going to get the Packers to the Super Bowl.
Submit your resume at 1225.
IceBowl
April 27, 2019 at 02:33 pm
Doug,
I have to say your knowledge supersedes all. You are one smart cookie. You are also letting your true ID show.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Who is in charge of making these picks?
Irish_Cheesehead
April 26, 2019 at 09:13 pm
Luckily not you.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:23 pm
poor
NickPerry
April 27, 2019 at 04:45 am
I'm curious Doug... Who EXACTLY do you think the Packers should have taken in the 2nd and 3rd?
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 09:11 pm
Gute
Tundraboy
April 26, 2019 at 09:16 pm
I will say,not what I expected. Who could have ever predicted this draft. If Gary turns out to be more boom than bust and Savage is what I hope we finally have at free safety I'll be very happy.
draftnut59
April 26, 2019 at 09:16 pm
I’d love to know why Gute picked Jenkins over McCoy.
Since'61
April 27, 2019 at 08:55 am
Luke Getsy. Thanks, Since '61
albert999
April 26, 2019 at 09:17 pm
i would have taken Dawson Knox over Sternberger
Turophile
April 27, 2019 at 09:20 am
I liked Knox as well. Very raw guy, but maybe with a higher upside. That said, I do like Sternberger, good hands, silky smooth mover that could be pretty good as a pass catcher. Now if they get TE Foster Moreau in the 5th, they will have a good blocker as well (and he can catch just fine).
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:25 pm
TE
Josh Oliver
Josh Oliver is a player a lot of draft analysts pegged as a sleeper at the position would could turn into a top tight end in the NFL with some development. Oliver was actually recruited as a pass rusher, but he showed a knack on the offensive side of the ball and showed an ability to make athletic catches, noted for his ability to go up and get the ball.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:26 pm
Don't forget him.
stockholder
April 26, 2019 at 10:01 pm
I would take Sternberger. He will be Gronk! Oliver is slower. Bad past. Jace ran 4.75. Better route runner. Can Catch! If he hurdles just one tackler. He will be a hit.
jannesbjornson
April 26, 2019 at 10:47 pm
4.64 for Oliver.
Turophile
April 27, 2019 at 09:23 am
Sternberger plays a lot faster than he times, he is so slick when he moves and in and out of his breaks.
RWood832
April 26, 2019 at 09:28 pm
Jenkins was a good value pick. He can play all three interior line positions. God forbid anything happens to CL, but at least they have a great fill-in should they need it. Keep AR upright and run the ball. He will help.
Doug Niemczynski
April 26, 2019 at 09:59 pm
Jace sounds like another Richard Rogers.
Summer_PackerBacker
April 26, 2019 at 10:52 pm
Ah Doug your existence must be terrible if you're as negative in real life as you are here. Rodgers wasn't a consensus all American at the tight end position, nor did he rack up over 800 yards and ten touchdowns in one year. Stop flappin' your gums.
NMPF
April 27, 2019 at 08:23 am
Dougie just needs his Avenger pajamas and his mama to send down his meatloaf. All his problems are solved.
Since'61
April 26, 2019 at 11:05 pm
Good solid pick to provide depth across the OL. Good to see some reinforcements for the OL. Thanks, Since ‘61
Montana
April 27, 2019 at 02:19 am
Versatility pick plus added depth for OL. Hopefully he can provide some much needed protection for AR.
OldTimer
April 27, 2019 at 05:05 am
The only thing I know for sure is that these four players represent our top six draft spots. I hope at least two of them can start, and the other two contribute soon.
Oppy
April 27, 2019 at 05:15 am
"Mississippi RBs thrived running behind Jenkins."
Considering the offensive history behind some of our new coaches, I think this might be an important factor.
For that matter.. Building a strong run game and getting a sure-handed tight end definitely would make things easier for a back up... or young.. QB to take over if need be in the coming years.
Cartwright
April 27, 2019 at 07:02 am
With all the talk about getting a guard or tackle I was wondering who is our back up center should Corey go down. We just found him.