Brandon Jenkins, DE

04/08/2013 - 2013 Florida State Pro Day: Brandon Jenkins DE (6-3, 247 pounds) - He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.07 and 5.09 seconds but but kept his vertical and broad jump from the combine. He ran the short shuttle drill in 4.48 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.40 seconds. Jenkins recorded 19 strength lifts. He is a player who was pretty good two years ago but has not been the same since. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

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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 two years ago.

Facing greater attention from offenses, Jenkins saw his numbers slip in 2011. He registered 41 tackles, including leading the team with 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks but the production was disappointing and he was dropped from First Team all-conference honors to the second-team squad.

On a team blessed with two other spectacular pass rushers in Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine, Jenkins looked ripe to revert back to his prior success with a splashy senior campaign. Instead, he went down with a Lisfranc injury during the team's first game of the year, a 69-3 win over Murray State and missed the rest of the season. Rather than try to get a redshirt, he elected to make himself eligible for the 2013 draft.

Jenkins' length and burst off the snap make him as dangerous an edge rusher as there is in the draft, 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.

Strength: Possesses a long, lanky build with room for additional muscle gain. Has an explosive first step off the snap, which quickly can put the offensive tackle on his heels and in recovery mode. Closes quickly and can provide an explosive pop due to the momentum he gains.

Good flexibility to dip under the reach of the tackle. Creates good torque around the edge, demonstrating rare speed and closing ability. Possesses rare straight-line speed and the ability to scrape the line of scrimmage, chasing ball-carriers from behind.

Almost exclusively used as a pass rusher, though he was occasionally asked to drop into coverage on zone blitz packages. Appears to have enough lateral agility and flexibility to handle this transition, if necessary. Possesses long arms and at least moderate upper body strength for the drag-down tackle.

Weaknesses: Questionable instincts as a linebacker convert. Moderate recognition of misdirection plays such as screens and draws. 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.

Is not a naturally explosive hitter and doesn't use his hands well enough, at this time. Forced just two fumbles and deflected just four passes in 40 career games. Does a nice job of slapping away the offensive tackle's initial punch, but hasn't yet shown a consistent swim or rip move. Possesses undeniable upside in this area, but is currently a bit of a one-trick speed rusher.

Compares To -- Robert Mathis, DE/OLB, Indianapolis Colts -- Like the Colts' pass-rusher, Jenkins' greatest asset is his speed off the edge. To be his most effective, he'll likely need a second pass rusher to complement him but could prove quite effective, especially for a team protecting a lead.