2020 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Anfernee Jennings

2020 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Anfernee Jennings

Position: Linebacker

School: The University of Alabama

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 252 pounds

Stats

Tackling

At first glance, Jennings’ heavy hands and ability to jolt opponents capture attention. Jennings stops the play and player cold. Long arms and powerful wrists give him the luxury of approaching from different angles.

Speed

At the Senior Bowl, Jennings tipped the scales at 252 pounds, which is seven to ten pounds lighter than what he played as an edge defender at Alabama. While he does not possess mind-bending speed, Jennings makes plays in his vicinity. The Combine will show what the weight loss can help his explosion. Meanwhile, at the snap, his get-off is above average. At Alabama, Jennings alternated between standing up and playing end. As a result, his anticipation of the snap count makes him appear faster.

Athleticism

While not twitchy or limber, Jennings’ toolbox is a mix of toughness, leadership, and power.  

Raiders Fit

Without a doubt, there’s not a single linebacker that currently resides on the roster that should start in Las Vegas. For years, the team neglected and avoided drafting elite linebacking talent. Meanwhile, division and conference rivals loaded up on ‘backer talent. In all honesty, the Raiders lack an identity between the front four and secondary. Currently, the unit lacks dynamic athletic talent, or frankly, an identity. Even Rolando McClain flashed early.

Why Jennings?

As of this writing, Jennings is at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. On their website, and on the field, scouts will evaluate him as a middle linebacker. With such a void in the middle of the defense, the Raiders could easily slot him in the middle. Paul Guenther values size and power in the middle. Jennings hovers around 250 pounds. Now, that size is natural, not puffed up for combine measurements.

With that said, his approach to the field and playing still fit like hand-in-glove. First, Jennings attacks ball carriers and passes with a downhill approach. More importantly, Jennings boasts pass rush skills that would benefit pressure from the A gap, which is the hallmark of the Guenther defense. Within his game, Jennings displays the nastiness and aggression which Guenther loved in Vontaze Burfict. Yet, he doesn’t bring the baggage and watchful eye of the disciplinary arm of the league. A thumper, Jennings could hear the Raiders call his name on the second day of the draft. Jennings could give the Raiders a two-down hammer in the middle.