The St. Louis Rams with the 39th overall pick selected Janoris Jenkins. The Rams take a huge risk but could earn a big time reward.
Jenkins, Cornerback from North Alabama has seen a rise, fall and rise during his collegiate career. However, he didn’t always play at North Alabama and has definitely hit bumps in the road on his way to the NFL. He was a high school stand out by his senior year in 2008 and the 4-star recruit eventually declared to the University of Florida.
While he was great on the field, earning a Freshman All-American honorn, off the field he wasn’t so great. He was arrested for getting into a fight near a bar in June 2009 where police were forced to use a taser. He was then again arrested in January and April of 2011 for marijuana possession and he was subsequently dismissed from the team for his actions.
He was able to play his senior season at the University of North Alabama under head coach Terry Bowden, son of the legendary Bobby Bowden.
He was again a standout during his senior season and got his draft status back up.
The Rams have a big need at the CB position and feel Jenkins is worth the risk with his outside baggage. Remember that Jeff Fisher also coached Pacman Jones, maybe this is a second chance for Fisher to mentor a troubled player.
If he can overcome his off the field issues and stay out of trouble, there’s no doubt that Jenkins could be a nightmare for wide receivers for years to come as has as much talent as any of the defensive backs in the 2012 draft.