Position: Cornerback
School: Miami (FL)
Status: Senior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 177
40-Yard Dash: 4.41 (est)
Positives:
Kelly Jennings, one of the best three cornerbacks in an average 2006 class, is a fast, athletic cornerback who excels at playing off of opposing wide receivers. He also plays well in man-to-man coverage with most wideouts. He is known as a ballhawk-type of corner who plays the ball well in flight.
With 13 passes deflected and three interceptions in 2005, Jennings anchored the Miami secondary despite not seeing many balls thrown in his direction. NFL scouts regard him as a hard worker who is always trying to improve his game. Also, his size (six foot) is highly desirable on the NFL level.
Negatives:
Jennings tends to have some problems with more physical receivers due to his slight frame. He will definitely be told to bulk up some by whatever team drafts him in April. Also, Jennings has a penchant for getting beat on out routes and curls because of the space he gives to receivers. When he can’t use his speed to catch up, it means trouble for his defense. Tackling and contact isn’t his strongest suit, and he’ll need to prove that he isn’t afraid of contact to excel at the next level.
Overview:
In Jennings, you are looking at late-first, early-second round pick who is probably most suited for nickel back when he first arrives in the NFL. He is thought of as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, along with Virginia Tech’s Jimmy Williams and Tennessee’s Jason Allen. The possibility to start does exist though, if a team with a serious need at corner selects him (i.e. New Orleans).
