Packers get protection for Rodgers in Elgton Jenkins
The Green Bay Packers have selected center Elgton Jenkins out of Mississippi State in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 44th overall.
One of the better pass-protectors in this year's class, Jenkins should boost a Packers offensive line that has regressed in recent years.
Aaron Rodgers is set to turn 36 in December and is coming off a season in which he played through a knee injury, so was imperative for Green Bay to solidify his protection up front.
Prospect profile
School: Mississippi State
Height: 6-4
Weight: 310 lbs
Strengths
- Improved immensely from 2017 season
- One of the top pass-protectors among interior linemen in class
- Plays with wide base and loose hips, allowing him to move well laterally
- Generates a lot of power when locked into a defender
- Very smart player, consistently recognizes stunts and blitzes
- Plenty of experience against elite defensive tackles in SEC
Weaknesses
- Can mistime attacks at line of scrimmage, losing leverage
- Anchor needs improvement, beaten by bull rush on multiple occasions
- Must work on hand technique
Bottom line
Jenkins took a big leap as a senior, which helped his draft stock. The stout lineman has already flashed impressive pass-blocking skills but his timing and hand usage need improvement. Jenkins isn't the biggest center but is athletic enough to succeed early in his NFL career.