JL Skinner NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 209lbs.
School: Boise State
2023 NFL Draft: JL Skinner Scouting Report
It is not often that safeties of JL Skinner’s stature come around, but it is becoming a more sought-out asset in the modern NFL defense. This past season saw some of the best play of Skinner’s Boise State career across 12 games. His four interceptions and five pass deflections made for career-highs, as he played more in coverage than his typical, versatile box role. Even so, Skinner added 65 total tackles and two 10+ total tackle games in 2022.
During the pre-draft process, a torn pectoral muscle prevented Skinner from working out at the 2023 NFL Combine. Nevertheless, his film at Boise State is more than enough to understand the type of player Skinner can be. This past season, Skinner landed on the All-Mountain West First Team, while also participating in practices for the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
In 2021, Skinner dominated defenses in the box, racking up seven total tackles for a loss and two forced tackles. Not to mention, his 92 total tackles led the team, all while adding another three fumble recoveries and two interceptions to his total. In essence – Skinner is a playmaker. Over his first two seasons, Skinner played in 14 games, totaling 51 tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception.
Strengths
- Explosive athlete with relentless motor at the point of attack
- A physical run defender with great range in pursuit
- Ridiculous combination of size, wingspan, and athleticism to cover tight ends
- Ball skills necessary to create turnovers
- Great tackling technique and is more than willing to lay down big hits
Weaknesses
- Lackluster hip movement downfield when changing directions in coverage
- Angles taken when ball tracking are poor
- Route recognition and vision must be developed
- Tall and lean build with average lower body strength can get pushed around by bigger NFL blockers
NFL Comparison: More athletic Kam Chancellor
Teams With Need at Position: Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line on JL Skinner:
What coach would not want the opportunity to coach JL Skinner? For starters, he is the modern-day, versatile safety who can be moved anywhere on the field. At strong safety, he has the size and demeanor to be a menace in the box considering his athleticism. While he will never be the lone, single-high safety, Skinner has the playmaking ability on the backend to make a difference in pass coverage. With his size, Skinner can take on any running back, tight end, and even slot receivers with his speed. And who knows, at his size, a coach could wind up having him transition to linebacker.
The possibilities are endless as to where JL Skinner can make an impact on the field. But first, his game must further develop. His hip movement is not as sudden in coverage as one would like to see. Moreover, for a player with so much athleticism, the angles taken with the ball in the air can improve. With his skills as a ball hawk, it would be a shame for opportunities to be ruined by poor angling. But with a little time to learn to recognize routes and improve recognition, Skinner can quickly become a defensive x-factor.
At the end of the day, JL Skinner, if not for the injury, may have solidified himself as a second-round prospect. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Skinner should hear his name called on day two of the draft by the end of the third round. Interchangeable safeties with these traits are unicorn prospects. And with the modern-day NFL defense valuing versatile, hybrid players at the second and third levels, Skinner could wind up an absolute steal.
Main Photo Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
