NFL Draft Grades 2011: Jerrel Jernigan Gets A B+

by Ed Valentine on Apr 30, 2011 9:31 AM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

You have to say this for New York Giants General Manager Jerry Reese. He was adamant prior to the draft that the Giants would take value over need, and the selection of Troy wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan with the 83rd overall pick was the third straight case of the Giants doing exactly that in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jernigan is a versatile 5-foot-9, 185-pounder. He has sub-4.5 speed, can play in the slot, excels returning kickoffs and punts, has been a Wildcat quarterback and the Giants believe he has the toughness be a gunner on punt coverage. On the big boards for Draft Countdown, Great Blue North Draft Report and CBS Sports he was ranked in the low 60s. SB Nation's Mocking The Draft had him 59th on its Big Board.

That is tremendous value with the 83rd selection. New Era Scouting loves Jernigan's skill set.

No player in this draft has the ability to make plays as a return man and receiver as Jernigan. He’s an underrated talent who is getting noticed more as the draft nears. ... Bottom line: Jernigan has elite skills. He’s reminiscent of DeSean Jackson.

That's good enough for me. Truth is, the Giants did not have a player quite like this. Yes, they have a large number of receivers. There are questions about the health of Steve Smith, though. Plus, truthfully, beyond Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham how many of those receivers are proven play-makers? If this guy, can be one that is hard to argue with.

The only problem? A 185-pound guy can't play center or linebacker.

My Grade: B+ ... The NFL is now an explosive, big-play league. When you have an opportunity to get dynamic guys who are potential game-changers you take it. The only reason this is not an 'A' is that the pick still leaves the Giants needing help at center and linebacker as Day 3 of the draft dawns.

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Now Now Ed...

The only problem? A 185-pound guy can’t play center or linebacker.

What was rule number one…

I don't always hope for draft picks, but when I do, I prefer Owen Marecic.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

or at least it will be difficult to call him a LB

Amukamara is ‘only’ 6" 205lbs, but he hits and tackles like a LB (or at least how one should), so he can be a LB

Austin would probably be the fastest LB on the team but he’s built like an OL..so he can be an OL/LB hybrid.

Jernigan..well..dammit. We could only call him a LB for so long until the 5"9 185lbs registers. …

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Rule Number One

Draft ‘Value’ Over Perceived ‘Need.’ That is exactly what the Giants have done with all three selections thus far. I only downgraded the pick very slightly based on ‘need’ for other positions. I love what the Giants have done thus far. Now, will it work out? Nobody knows.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 30, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

1st two picks I can't argue with...

I would maybe have preferred Mason Foster here in the 3rd, but as others have said, maybe Reese et al know something about Smith’s injury that we don’t.

Seems Ross won’t be demoted to return duty after all…

by LondonNYG on Apr 30, 2011 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Mason Foster

From here, I think this is the pick we need to judge this on one. Foster went with the very next pick, so you know he had to be in the discussion. If he goes on to have a better career than Jernigan we look at this as a mistake. Only time will tell.

by Ed Valentine on Apr 30, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Not crazy about us going receiver here, but the guy looks like he could be a good, dare I say, Wes Welker type. And if this is an indication that Coughlin and Gilbride are finally ready to open up this offense, then I am all for it.

by XLII on Apr 30, 2011 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

But he's not just a receiver

Sure he provides receiving depth and insurance against Smith’s injury. But from Day 1 he could be the starting return guy, and it sounds like he might provide value on kick coverage. These are huge needs. Ivies this as a need pick, not a BPA.

by boilerdan on Apr 30, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

this was a need

we needed a return guy badly we were worst in the league on special teams both sides of the ball

by droopy on Apr 30, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I really like

That they seem to be going with value almost exclusively. Drafting an LB or an OL just because you think you have to seems to be a good way to fill your roster full of lesser talent than you could have had otherwise.

I had never heard of Jernigan… I was surprised to see they drafted a WR, and when I saw his height and weight, well… do I even have to say it? Can you call yourself a Giants fan if you didn’t at least think it for a second? But after reading around a little, it seems to be pretty much consensus that he plays much bigger than his size. He’s clearly a great athlete.

If I have one “worry” (if you want to put it that way) about this pick… Quinn jokes aside, they better get their return blocking in order if they even want to THINK about putting a rookie back there. Its hard to see TC putting a rookie in that position anyway… but the way the Giants special teams blocked last year having an inexperienced returner sounds like disaster to me.

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

He was also the #83 pick of the draft....

by TNYFBG on Apr 30, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

if you want to not suck in the return game you gotta do stuff like this ..

Jernigan does fit a value / need … The Giants return game has been horrible for some time and this guy is a threat in the return game. I’ve seen a lot of sinorice moss talk on here but Jernigan actually did return punts / kickoffs in college and he was productive in almost every phase of the game … He can be a dynamic 3rd or 4th WR where we basically had guys starting after being signed off the streets , he can return kicks. punts , he can line up in the backfield … The scouting reports basically paint him as a kind of Percy Harvin type a guy with great speed who can make guys miss and take it to the house.

by TheBXRepresenta on Apr 30, 2011 10:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Jernigan also was a gunner as well

that’s something that basically makes the Sinorice comparison invalid.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Yay special teams returns !

mmmmm.... delicious

by Cup Noodles on Apr 30, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Depending on how long the lockout extends

Jernigan may be the only draft pick that has an immediate impact on this team.

The Flyers...Just one more reason to hate Philadelphia.

by Mother Tucker on Apr 30, 2011 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

alot of teams are drafting for need

so when free agency starts players that were high needs won’t be and might be available for us

by omfGIANTS on Apr 30, 2011 10:52 AM EDT reply actions

Bill Belichick quoted in th Post on BPA philosophy

The Giants selected a darting 5-foot-9 slot receiver, return man and Wildcat QB, Jerrel Jernigan from Troy, in the third round. Best available.

"It’s great to say, ‘OK, we needed this position, so now we have a card to put up there in that spot,’ but if that player isn’t able to really fulfill that area or that position, then you’re coming back here the next year looking for the same thing again," Bill Belichick said before Round 2.

"I learned that at the Giants. We had drafted Lawrence Taylor 1981, we had Brad Van Pelt, and I know we took Carl Banks with the [third] pick in the 1984 draft, and that pick was crucified. ‘What a stupid pick. Why would you take Carl Banks? What could you do with him? He’s just going to sit there and watch while the other two guys play.

"Another example of that was when we took Butch Woolfolk 1982 and then followed that up [in Round 2] with Joe Morris. And that was another ‘stupid pick’ of ‘Why take Joe Morris when you had already taken a running back?’ What are you going to do — get two balls out there and give one to each guy?’

"Go with what you believe in." And, sometimes, cross your fingers.

The level of talent drafted so far is amazing. Some fans are going to be mad and huff and puff and question but this is the correct philosophy. You don’t draft players you and your scouts don’t believe in because they play a position of need.

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

by Major on Apr 30, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

OK, we needed this position, so now we have a card to put up there in that spot,’ but if that player isn’t able to really fulfill that area or that position, then you’re coming back here the next year looking for the same thing again," Bill Belichick said before Round 2.

pretty much this, is why you don’t draft for “need”. Of course, unless a player at a need spot is worthy of the pick. Like Ross, Phillips and Nicks were.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Yup

Another aspect to the Giants draft philosophy could be the belief they can find the talent level at LB or OL in free agency.

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

by Major on Apr 30, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions

ok

but all the experts out there are saying that casotnzo or carimi are instant starts at a postion we need compared to or austin the first thing you hear is these guys are projects they need work

by droopy on Apr 30, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions

those are average players, especially Castanzo

we have Beatty already, who’s a clone of Castanzo. And Carimi’s just a younger version of Diehl.

Maybe that’s good, but is it enough to pass on who we drafted?

Carimi and Castanzo went in the first…so do you take them over Prince? Hell no.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

well I feel a little better

reading such a positive profile of the guy. I was… displeased last night.

I mean, you have to change your mind a little bit based on accepting the CW of the 32 NFL GMs. When Ayers went a ways into round 2, you say, “oh, guess I was wrong, he wasn’t #19 value. Glad we didn’t take him.”

I loved the Prince pick for its value. A+.

Marvin Austin? Well, I was initially a little disappointed becuase I was hoping they’d grab Martez Wilson or Justin Houston. I saw the OL drop in a row right before us so I’m glad they didn’t reach. But then, Wilson & Houston didn’t go until like 80. So again you say, we got a much better value.

I can’t say the same of Jernigan. Especially when Mason Foster goes on the very next pick. Same value. One is a need.

I don’t see Jernigan making the field as a WR this year. Even if Steve Smith was to lose both arms tomorrow. (Love ya Steve, God forbid.) You’d still be looking at Nicks, Manningham, Hixon in front of him, with Barden and Cruz ahead of him developmentally.

So withOUT steve Smith he’d hope to supplant Michael Clayton as the … number 7 receiver.

Oh well. Trust, I guess. I just feel like we could have had a much-needed LB on the field to replace the Titans’ guy along with Sintim.

I know, I know. Anybody could be the next great thing. But where I can easily see the value improvement on a Marvin Austin over Martez Wilson, I don’t see the same great divide between Mason Foster and Jernigan.

Ok, crucify away!

Details of the operations of an interstate dog fighting ring were revealed, with some portions involving drugs and gambling. Gruesome details involving abuse, torture and execution of under-performing dogs ... He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning...

by Simms-McConkey on Apr 30, 2011 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Good post bud

Don’t see the value in having a stud Kick/Punt Returner? Could be big…

How good was Mason Foster? First day starter good, Or competing with Sintim good?

I don't always hope for draft picks, but when I do, I prefer Owen Marecic.

by tito (eight and oh) on Apr 30, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

who tf knows i guess

so, wait and see!

by Simms-McConkey on Apr 30, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Not crucifying

But you say Foster and Jernigan are of the same value. Obviously the Giants had a significantly higher grade on Jernigan or they probably draft Foster. They have to go by their board, not the consensus of the draftniks. And with Barden and Smith coming off serious injuries and neither near 100% physically fit yet, who knows what will happen. I think Hixon (age, injury) and Cruz are on the bubble now, depending on how it all shakes out. With all the 3 and even 4 receiver sets in the NFL these days, we need at least 5 really good receivers. And he has run the wildcat , so… naaah nevermind, that won’t happen with Gilbride here.

Go Giants!

by ronjohnson on Apr 30, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Hixon is due 4.4. millon this year so he might be bye bye

Why is Tom Quinn still here?

by costanza! on Apr 30, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not going to rave on Jernigan, but...

I’m not sure Foster is a whole lot different than what we have already at linebacker. He’s IS a football player, but speed is a weakness, and thus coverage is questionable. Pretty much what we have already are various warm bodies who can stuff the run, but lack speed and can’t cover. I do think Reese needs to address the issue, but I really don’t see Foster as much different than the host of other linebackers we already have. They all have some upside potential, but all have questionmarks associated with them as well, and speed and coverage are weak points. I think Reese may have just decided that if the position needs upgrading (and I think it does), getting a free agent who has some proven ability and who adds speed and coverage skills may be a better bet than increasing the quantity of plodding candidates. The Giants need to add speed and pure athletic ability to the team, and Foster really doesn’t do that. Prince and Jernigan are steps in that direction, and upgrade what overall has been a very slow, non-athletic roster, particularly outside of the defensive lline, where competetively the Giants do have speed and athletic ability along that line.

by Cranky50 on Apr 30, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hixon maybe gone

I think this kid is naturally more talented than Cruz. So you are looking at 4th or 5th WR and starting returner? That’s paying dividends in the 3rd.

Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange

by bigbluethruandthru on Apr 30, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree with ya

Love the first two picks, sort of iffy on the 3rd pick

We’ll see

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden

by Willgfass on Apr 30, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I could see the Gmen taking RB, S, TE and maybe OL today

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

by Major on Apr 30, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

It also looks like

the Giants are not counting on FAs (or potential FAs) or injuries to be back. Looks like they are picking based on what is known now. Not going, “Well hopefully we sign this guy and hopefully this guy comes back.” Which means I also definitely agree with Major about the spots they will target.

"Sometimes you make a mistake and you get hit in the head." - Eli Manning

by blains2000 on Apr 30, 2011 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

How does Jernigan remind people of DeSean Jackson?

When he has sub 4.5 speed? That seems nowhere near as close.

by jhMLB on Apr 30, 2011 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

Well its more so sub 4.4 speed

and he was timed at 4.32.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah when I looked around

I saw 40 times kind of in a wide range… but watching some youtube stuff seems to show that his real strength is in his direction changing and explosiveness.

by Oppenheimer919 on Apr 30, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

thx guys, that was helpful

didn’t get a chance to watch any clips of him yet

by jhMLB on May 1, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Hell so Steve Smith is not returning?

That would suck.

by Wei on Apr 30, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

how many of those receivers are proven play-makers?

maybe this one:

by ryanwk628 on Apr 30, 2011 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

against scrubs, yea

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Apr 30, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

The only hole on this team that bigger than the one at LB

is Returner…..

I love this pick, this is something this team has been missing for years. I watched a ton of film on this guy, and he is athletic as hell. Also, I watched a bunch of film of Austin – and I am depressed about him, I can’t say I see what everyone else likes – the guy is getting pile-drived all over the place……

Anyway, the last few years every time we were receiving a kick was the time to hit the head or go make a sandwhich….. hopefully that will change.

by dubsrub on Apr 30, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

LB is bigger hole

a good LB will play about 60 plays. A returner returns about 8 kicks.

by GMen56-11 on Apr 30, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

wasted pick

we have a glut at WR. He’ll make the team solely because the Giants don’t cut draft picks. At times they stick with draft picks to a fault.

Grade C …. at best

by GMen56-11 on Apr 30, 2011 7:20 PM EDT reply actions

Jernigans is the truth!

I’ve watch this kid play 6A QB in high School. His Senior year he lead his team to the state Championship.
He has broken every recieving records at Troy. By the way, Tyne and Osi when to the same University if you didn’t know that already. He’s the only player in NCAA history to score TD’s 5 different ways in back to back seasons. Catching, running, throwing, punt return and kickoff returns. For all you Gaint fan that think this was a bad choice…trust me this kid is gonna make you eat your words. I’m a Raider fan at heart, I just wish we could have gotten him before you. Congrats to Jerrel. You’ve been proven doubter most of your football career…this time you’re getting PAID to do it! Hope you have a GAINT of a career! Go Trojans!

by Curtis Williams on May 1, 2011 2:33 AM EDT reply actions