JL Skinner 2023 NFL draft projection: How high could the Boise State University safety go?

Boise State University player JL Skinner was a starting Safety for the last three years of his college football career, and he built quite a reputation for himself.

Skinner is known for playing to his strengths and showcasing his versatility on the defensive side of the ball. He is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and should go off the draft board on the first day of this year's draft.

Known for being a versatile player who can play deep coverage zones or cover the flat and hook/curl area, he has enough quickness to play man coverage on most tight ends and running backs, though he probably shouldn't be asked to play man coverage against slot receivers.

He might not be ready to be an NFL starter, but with the right guidance, he could be in a couple of years. The elite safety prospect would be most suitable for a defense that allows him to move around the defensive secondary. Skinner might start as a depth and special teams player, but his role could grow quickly.

JL Skinner's Measurables

JL Skinner has the measurables of a solid NFL prospect, and here's how the potential second-round draft pick looks.

• Height: 6-foot 4 1⁄4 inches
• Weight: 211 pounds
• Arm length: 32 1⁄2 inches
• Hand size: 8 3/8 inches

What are the strengths and weaknesses of JL Skinner?

Strengths

1. Anticipation and reaction quickness on route breaks.
2. Puts a squeeze on targets from the short zone.
3. Adequate reads and angles to the football as a run defender.
4. Ball skills and hands to put numbers in the interception column.

Weaknesses

1. Lacks proactive punch to keep receiver blocks at bay.
2. Trouble opening hips quickly to match vertical routes.
3. Takes poor angles getting to throws.
4. Needs to run feet through contact.

How did JL Skinner perform in the 2022 college season?

JL Skinner had a decent final season at Boise State University, he started as the team's star safety and never relinquished the role. His ball skills were on full display in the 2022 college season as he put up career numbers in several statistical categories. This was even though he didn't play in as many games as he did in the 2022 NFL season due to some niggling injuries.

He put up a solid stat line as the Boise State Broncos' defensive anchor and posted 62 tackles, four pass deflections, and four interceptions in the 2022 college season. He wowed NFL scouts in the process and ensured that his fourth season wasn't an exercise in futility.