Florida State DE Brandon Jenkins entering 2013 NFL Draft

Despite playing in just a handful of snaps this season, Florida State defensive end Brandon Jenkins will enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Jenkins only appeared in Florida State’s first game of the season when he broke his foot against Murray State. He had the option of redshirting the season but turned it down.

The story was broke by Brandon Mellor, managing editor of Seminoles.com.

As ESPN (Insider) notes, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told the media on Monday that Jenkins’ rehabilitation is going well and he should be healthy enough to work out before the 2013 NFL Draft in April.

How well Jenkins works out will be critical to his draft placement. A good workout could catapult him back into the first-round discussion. A bad workout and he could tumble into the third round.

The NFL Combine takes place in late February and Florida State generally holds its pro day workout in mid-March. Even if Jenkins can’t workout at the combine or his pro day, he could hold a private workout.

When he works out, Jenkins should show plenty of versatility if he has a good range of motion. In 2011, he was used in a variety of ways. He often played with his hand down, but was asked to drop back in coverage on occasion and was used as a rusher in a stand-up position. For the season, he had 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks. In 2010, he had 21.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.

Strictly from a stylistic and size standpoint – not necessarily a talent standpoint – a reasonable comparison for Jenkins is Terrell Suggs. He may never put up the kind of numbers Suggs has for the Baltimore Ravens, but he can be used in the same manner.

Jenkins has been supplanted on Florida State’s defensive line by Cornelius “Tank” Carradine. The former junior college transfer has been a star this season, but could end up competing with Jenkins for draft placement.

For the latest on Jenkins and the Seminoles, head over to TomahawkNation.com.