Raiders NFL Draft: A Safety Option For Every Round

Oct 2, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Mitchell Juergens (87) runs after a reception as Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) pursues the play during the first half at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Mitchell Juergens (87) runs after a reception as Connecticut Huskies safety Obi Melifonwu (20) pursues the play during the first half at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rayshawn Jenkins – Miami

At 6’1″ 214 pounds, Jenkins possesses ideal size for a safety. And at the combine, he tested as one of the better athletes at the posting, posting quality scores in every drill. He ran a 4.51 second 40-yard dash, had a 37″ vertical jump, a 128″ broad jump and 19 reps on the bench press, all of which were well above average.

Jenkins is relatively new to the position, as he played wide receiver in high school. So his game has some rawness to it, but there is a positive to this. Jenkins has soft hands and great ball skills, and is a natural playmaker as a result of his days as a wide receiver. He recorded 9 interceptions and 15 pass deflections during his tenure at Miami.

Jenkins will punish pass catchers who come across the middle, which was surprising to see on film considering he was a former receiver. He’s effective when in the box and is a sound tackler. His game overall is solid — he’s not particularly great in one area but he doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses.

As a potential mid-late round pick, Rayshawn has a good of upside as an NFL team will find in a safety this late.