NFL Draft 2016: Top 8 Safeties New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
5. Jalen Mills, LSU Tigers
Height: 6 feet | Weight: 194 pounds | Projected Round: 3-4
Jalen scored a grade of 5.39 at the scouting combine, which was 10th best among safeties, and was the top performer in the vertical jump at 37 inches. A scout from the AFC West remarked:
"“I think he’ll be a long-time player in the league because he has pretty good feel in coverage, but I also don’t think he’s a safety at all. He’s a slot corner.”"
Lance Zierlein compared Mills to Lamarcus Joyner, a second round draft pick of the Rams, who has 112 combined tackles in his first two NFL seasons, but no interceptions in 26 games. He added:
"“Mills isn’’t as physical as teams would like in run support but will do what he has to. In man coverage, he’s rock solid until he has to chase vertical jackrabbits and then it can get a little dicey. Mills will probably get action in sub packages early on, but might not be the every-down player that some expect.”"
CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler compared Mills to Darius Butler, adding:
"“…both are quick, aggressive men who are comfortable in space and do their best work lined up on the inside… Mills was frequently on an island at LSU and he responded well with the speed and fluid redirection skills to smother receivers in press, off and zone coverages…Mills has the athleticism to be secure a nickelback role in the NFL, doing his best work as a slot corner.”"
From WalterFootball, who ranked him 12th best safety in the draft:
"“Mills fractured his leg in August and had surgery. He played in seven games on the year, totaling 30 tackles and three passes broken up. At the Senior Bowl, Mills was not impressive.”"
Chris Pflum of Big Blue View believes Mills could start as a slot corner and graduate to free safety as he matures.
Jalen’s honors include 2015 First Team All-America (CBSSports.com) and 2012 Freshman All-America First Team (Sporting News, CBSSports.com, FoxSportsNext.com).
Check out his full scouting report at NFLMocks.com
Next: IT'S EASY BEING GREEN