It's that time of the year again. Mile High Report begins our annual 90 players in 90 days roster breakdown. Last year went fairly well, but this year we'll break down every player on the Denver Broncos roster.
Name: Shaneil Jenkins
Position: DE/OLB
Height: 6'3" Weight: 275
Age: 22 Experience: R
College: Shepherd University
Shaneil Jenkins is the prototypical small school diamond in the rough. A prospect unknown to many, Jenkins made his way on NFL teams radars as a priority free agent when he attended the University of West Virginia's Pro Day back in April where 28 NFL teams were present.
He played 48 games for Shepherd University and was one of the most productive collegiate players at the Division II level in his senior season where he posted 41 tackles, 13.5 of them for loss and 13.5 sacks.
Those eye-popping numbers were good enough to make him the Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earn first-team All-Region honors. He was also a finalist in his senior season for the Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the top defensive player in Division II, III or NAIA football.
The Good: Great athleticism and quickness off the snap. Despite his smaller height, uses his arm length and technique to overpower and undermine opposing offensive lineman. Extraordinarily productive, racking up 100 tackles, 32 TFL and 27 sacks in 48 games for the Rams. Has the hunger, desire and drive to earn his keep in the NFL.
The Bad: Playing for Shepherd University and the immense learning curve from Division II football to the NFL is one of the only knocks you can find against him. He may be a bit undersized (just a hair under 6'3") for a defensive end, but he has the quickness of the snap and athleticism to make up for it.
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Quotable: "It’s not about the money to me nor the fame I’m here to dominate this is not only my life it’s also my career I’m willing to do anything and sacrifice everything to be successful." -- Shaneil Jenkins in an interview with NFL Draft Diamonds
Status: There are a handful of names ahead of Jenkins at defensive end and outside linebacker, but he has the physical traits and athleticism to make it in the NFL. Given the depth ahead of him at both positions, Jenkins is a likely candidate for the practice squad where he can continue to learn the nuances of the game.
It will be quite a jump from Shepherd University to the NFL, so I don't expect him to come in right away and earn a roster spot. Down the road, he could turn into a quality NFL player.