Brandon Jenkins, OLB

05/07/2012 - 2012 LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State, DE, 6-3, 265 (Tallahassee): Lott Watch List in '11...Had 12 tackles for losses, 8 sacks last season...41 tackles...All-ACC. - Lott IMPACT Trophy

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Jimbo Fisher might now be the head coach at Florida State, but he boasts an athletic pass rusher in Jenkins very much in the mold of what legendary Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden and long-time defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews sought during their tenures with the university. Jenkins, recruited to Florida State by Bowden, wasn't able to crack FSU's starting lineup until Fisher's first season at the helm. He posted only 12 tackles, including three tackles for loss, in 2009 but exploded onto the national scene as a true sophomore a year later, earning some All-American nods and First-Team All-ACC accolades with 63 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in his first starting season. Among his most impressive games was a career-high nine tackle performance, including 3.5 for loss and two sacks against Boston College and their All-ACC offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo -- the Indianapolis Colts' first round pick. Jenkins' burst off the snap makes him as dangerous an edge rusher as there is in college football, but he currently lacks the bulk to remain at defensive end in the NFL and may not possess the frame to handle additional weight without impacting his speed. Jackson possesses the long arms and appears to have the agility and speed to handle the transition to outside linebacker for teams operating out of the 3-4 alignment. If capable of proving his breakout 2010 season was no fluke, Jenkins could emerge as one of the top pass rushers available in the 2012 draft.

Read & React: Developing in this area. Is asked to pin his ears back and attack upfield as a defensive end in Florida State's scheme, but shows enough recognition of misdirection plays such as screens and draws to believe he could make the transition to outside linebacker. Possesses rare straight-line speed and the ability to scrape the line of scrimmage, chasing ball-carriers from behind. Run defense: Relies on his quickness to zip past the offensive tackle and beat backs to the edge against wide running plays. Simply lacks the bulk and strength to hold up against the run at this time. Plays with at least adequate leverage, but is easily moved off the ball. Was often run directly towards in power running plays as offenses took advantage of his lack of size. Possesses excellent speed to chase down ball-carriers from behind when he crashes the line, however, resulting in some impressive tackles for loss. Pass defense: Almost exclusively used as a pass rusher, though he was occassionally asked to drop into coverage on zone blitz packages. Appears to have enough lateral agility and flexibility to handle this transition, if necesarry. Tackling: Has all of the physical tools scouts are looking for in this area, but remains a work in progress. Possesses long arms and at least moderate upper body strength for the drag-down tackle. Closes quickly and can provide an explosive pop due to the momentum he gains. Is not a naturally explosive hitter, however. Forced only two fumbles last season despite several of his 13.5 sacks being blindside hits. Pass Rush/Blitz: Possesses as quick a first step off the snap as any pass rusher in the country. Guesses the snap count and can cross the face of the offensive tackle from his defensive end position before his opponent is completely out of his stance. Good flexibility to dip under the reach of the tackle. Creates good torque around the edge, demonstrating rare speed and closing ability. Still developing his use of hands. Does a nice job of slapping away the offensive tackle's initial punch, but hasn't yet shown a consistent swim or rip move. Occassionally features a spin back to the inside, though this is only marginally effective, at this time. Needs to do a better job of getting his hands up in the passing lanes, as he batted down only two passes last season. Possesses undeniable upside in this area, but is currently a bit of a one-trick speed rusher. Intangibles: An early enrollee at Florida State. Helped catch the eye of FSU coaches with an impressive spring practice as a true freshman. Was recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player following the 2010 season, over quarterback Christian Ponder -- the No. 12 pick of 2011 draft (Minnesota Vikings). Has reportedly bulked up to 266 pounds. Had signed with FSU at closer to 245, spurning offers by other top programs, including Miami, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee. --Rob Rang