Baltimore Ravens scouting reports: Anfernee Jennings a forgotten man
Alabama has a handful of draft prospects for 2020 (as they do every year), but edge rusher Anfernee Jennings seems to be an overlooked one.
Breakdown:
When you play for Alabama, it’s pretty easy to get overlooked because of the massive talent pool the school routinely has. Anfernee Jennings is the most recent of these examples but he shouldn’t be. Truth be told, he might’ve been the best player in the Crimson Tide’s front-seven in 2019.
Jennings got a little bit better each year at Alabama before having a terrific senior season, leading the team in sacks (eight). Jennings is a proven leader and commands the field with his sharp football IQ and instincts. He projects to be
Notable stats for Anfernee Jennings (full stats here) 2015-2019:
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- 83 tackles in 2019 (eight sacks)
- 25.5 TFLs over last two seasons
- Four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries) over last two seasons
Strengths:
- Team captain in 2019
- Good build at 6’2″ 256-lbs.
- When he gets the snap count, his get-up-and-go is top-end
- Uses long-arms to keep his chest clean
- Heavy hands with good pop to immediately disrupt blockers
- Good use of said hands to counter offensive linemen; a true technician
- Stays home on option plays; doesn’t let the football get past him
Weaknesses:
- Limited athlete without elite speed to turn the corner
- Inconsistent burst off the snap; if he isn’t beating the snap he’s a step slow
- Not the best athlete in the world; could be slowed down at the next level
- Stiff player with a lack of bend/twitch
- Moves too upright at times
Fit with the Ravens:
I’m not sure why Anfernee Jennings is being slept on, but the Baltimore Ravens could find themselves a gem in the third or fourth round. Jennings looks like he can be an instant difference-maker on defense and could perhaps even see starting time early on in his career.
For Baltimore, Jennings would be a rotational piece splitting time with Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson. Jennings might already be on Bowser’s level of play and is already ahead of the curb when it comes to Ferguson. Jennings could also see some time on special teams, as the Ravens would love to get him on the field as much as possible.
Anfernee Jennings is a stud and the Baltimore Ravens should have an interest in making him a member of the team. Given his ferocity off the snap and willingness to do whatever is asked of him, Jennings would give Baltimore a day one impact no matter where he plays.