There was a time when the mere thought of the Colts taking an interest in a draft prospect like Janoris Jenkins would be met with ridicule and guttural laughter. However, when the former general former and vice chairman spend the last five years obsessing over their own egos rather than stocking the team with talent, the result is a 2-14 team that can no longer afford to overlook a talent like Jenkins.
Thus, because we have a new regime in Indianapolis tasked with the difficult job of repairing the dumpster fire left by Bill and Chris Polian, it should surprise no one that the Colts will visit with North Alabama (and former Florida Gator) corner Janoris Jenkins this week.
Jenkins is this year's Pacman Jones. He's Antonio Cromartie, but without as many kids (just four children from three different women). At the Scouting Combine this past February, Matt Grecco, Dan Kadar, and others heard more than a few people say that teams will avoid Jenkins like the plague in the first round. The kid practically has a gaggle of red flags sprouting up and waving frantically from his head. Any team that drafts him in the first only to see him bust due to off the field issues is a team that is going to look stupid.
Second round: Different story. If Janoris Jenkins is still there at No. 34, and chances are he will be, then absolutely the Colts should take him.
Some of you might remember Jenkins from his days at Florida, before he was kicked off the team. He played his final year of eligibility at North Alabama, and he did enough to remind scouts that he is the best cover corner in the entire NFL Draft.
In fact, had he not screwed up at Florida, Jenkins likely would have been drafted ahead of LSU's Patrick Peterson last year.
Jenkins is no saint, and there is nothing that suggests he will ever truly get his act together. However, he deserves credit for being honest about his mistakes. He answered every tough questions posed to him at the Combine, and did so in a manner that impressed many there.
Oh, and speaking of the Combine, Jenkins shined in the drills. He might be a better all-around talent than Maurice Claiborne, who most see as a top five pick.
At the end of the day, the Colts need talent. If Indy grabs Jenkins at pick No. 34, he would immediately become the club's best corner. Hell, he's probably the best corner this team has had since Big Play Ray Buchanan! Personally, I don't see him getting past the Rams at No. 33 (Jenkins visited St. Louis yesterday, reportedly). However, if he does get past them, the Colts will draft Jenkins at 34.
Again, it's about talent now, boys and girls. Jenkins has a lot of it, and on a veteran defense with leaders like Robert Mathis and Antoine Bethea, Jenkins might get his act together.