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.
