2014 NFL Draft Profile: Timmy Jernigan, DT Florida State
By Adam Carlson
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles nose tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) celebrates late in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers for the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jernigan might be the best combination of run stuffing and pass rushing at defensive tackle in this year’s draft. Although he is only a one year starter at Florida State, he was so impressive in that year that he was able to shoot up draft boards.
His decision to leave college after his junior year was confusing though. Another year similar to this year would have almost assured him as one of the top selections in the draft. However, his relative lack of starting experience might be enough to turn off some potential suitors.
Jernigan is 6’2″ tall and weighs in at 298 pounds. Despite not being a nose tackle, he is able to take on multiple blockers and appear dominant at times. If he lands on a team with a good coaching staff that can help him work on timing snaps and developing his techniques, Jernigan could be a star in the NFL.
Here are his statistics over three seasons at Florida State:
73 solo tackles
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-31 the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
138 total tackles
25 tackles for a loss
8.5 sacks
1 pass defended
1 fumble recovery
Strengths
- Nimble for his size
- Good awareness
- Can take on multiple blocks
- Nice upper body strength
Weaknesses
- Sometimes slow off the snap
- Could have used another year in college to work on techniques
Fit For The Vikings
Jernigan would fit in nicely as a starter at defensive tackle for Minnesota.
My Take
Jernigan should definitely be on the Vikings radar. However, he wouldn’t warrant a selection with the #8 overall pick. If he is still on the board at #30, Minnesota would almost have to pull the trigger considering the team’s needs and his talents.