Draft Scouting Report:
Rating: 82.97 (Long-term starter)
Pro Comparison: Jayron Kearse
Accolades:
- 2022: First-team All-Mountain West
- 2021: Second-team All-Mountain West
Summary:
JL Skinner is a tall player with long arms who is capable of impacting pass windows. He uses that length, as well as active eyes and burst, to make plays on the ball. Skinner has shown an ability to break his feet down in space and wrap up tackles, but struggles when he arrives head down and does not play through the core. He has a lean build, so overall play strength suffers. As a high-waisted player, transitioning across the field and man-coverage roles are a concern.
Strengths:
- Great length
- Active eyes and burst to close downhill
- Breaks his feet down in space and wraps up to finish tackles
- Established history of ball production
Weaknesses:
- Question his effectiveness in man coverage as a high-waisted player
- Lean build, lacks overall play strength
- Tackling issues arise when he goes head down
