JL Skinner 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• All-Mountain-West Second Team
• Lettered three times each in basketball and track & field.
• Ran 11.30 in the 100-meter dash

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 3-3-5 
• 2022 projected role: Starting safety

Pros: JL Skinner is a big and physical enforcer at the safety position. He’s experienced in both strong and free safety alignments. Skinner is an intelligent defender that communicates well with his teammates pre-snap. He reads backfield action and motions with patience and confidence before adjusting his path. He has a tremendous motor and plays with high effort. Skinner has an explosive closing burst to squeeze routes and/or ball carriers. He offers a potential tight-end matchup with his size and athleticism. His downhill trigger comes with a burst to close quickly on the football. He projects best as a split-safety in two-high coverages and an underneath robber. He has a Kam Chancellor-like playing style. 

Cons: Due to his size and length, JL Skinner is not an ideal candidate for nickel alignment against receivers. He is a long-legged prospect, which can hinder transitions out of press alignment. He can improve his pursuit angles to better defend the run from high depth. His drops and pivots are a bit restricted due to his angular frame and high-hipped movements.

JL Skinner NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson