S JL Skinner:
scouting Reports:
Articles:
2023 NFL Draft safety rankings, scouting reports: Brian Branch the clear standout (3. JL Skinner, Boise State, 6-4, 209, Redshirt Senior - Overview: A three-star recruit out of San Diego who excelled at wide receiver and cornerback during his prep career, Skinner turned down offers from notable Power 5 programs to play safety on Boise State's blue turf, modeling his game after longtime Seattle Seahawks star Kam Chancellor. Despite the switch to a position he'd never played before, Skinner proved a quick learner, playing in all 14 games as a true freshman and even cracking the starting lineup — where he'd remain all four years of his time in Boise. Skinner filled the stat sheet with the Broncos, collecting 208 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and 20 pass breakups, turning seven of those interceptions, earning All-Mountain West honors the past two years, as well as an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he was named the North Team's Practice Player of the Week among safeties. Strengths: Skinner offers rare size (and even better size potential) for the position with an imposing frame, including 32" arms. He's more agile than his lanky frame suggests, showing surprising agility and acceleration for such a big man. Graceful athlete, showing impressive range to handle deep coverage duties and is not strictly the "box" safety his frame and highlight reel of big hits suggest. Speaking of those big hits, Skinner can certainly play big when he wants to, generating real force with his collisions by dropping his shoulder into ballcarriers, offering some intimidation factor from the secondary. His experience at receiver is clear, with Skinner showing good concentration, body control and soft hands to pluck outside of his frame… Interception totals rose each year at Boise… Concerns: Skinner isn't a fit for everyone, with a high-cut frame and spindly lower body that raises all sorts of concerns about his ability to keep up with quick-twitch receivers of today's NFL. He enters the draft with some questions still left unanswered after undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle prior to the draft and never completing any of the normal workouts — including running or jumping — teams want prospects to do. He's too reliant on his big hits to knock ball carriers to the ground, failing to consistently wrap. Bottom Line: Skinner is a bit unusual in that his frame and highlight reel suggest that he's one type of player but the tape shows a more well-rounded prospect with more interchangeable value than one might think. The late surgery and recovery complicates Skinner's grade slightly and could have him available later than his play warrants. Grade: Second-to-third round) (4-25-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-safety-rankings-scouting-reports-brian-branch-the-clear-standout
Top 10 Safeties in the 2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch Emerging as the Top Prospect (4. JL Skinner, Boise State: JL Skinner officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Dec. 20. But in truth, he was viewed as a potential early-round safety prospect as early as last May. Skinner’s athleticism at 6’4″, 220 pounds is eye-catching, but he’ll also win over teams with his relentless physicality in both phases. Skinner’s tenacity at contact is unmatched, and he has elite explosiveness and impressive range for his size. He can still refine his coverage technique a bit more, but Skinner has a definite playmaking gene in both phases, and his ability to play two-high or loom in the box gives him extra appeal.) (4-17-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-s-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-jl-skinner-starts-the-season-as-the-superior-safety-prospect/
2023 NFL Draft: The top 9 safeties (7. JL Skinner, Boise State (Height: 6′ 4″ (98th percentile) Weight: 209 (61st), Arm Length: 32″ (63rd), Hand Size: 8¼” (1st)) - Bio: The former star for Point Loma High School in San Diego also stood out right away for the Boise State Broncos, playing in all 14 possible games as a true freshman in 2019. Over four seasons, Skinner had no sacks, two pressures, 160 tackles, 70 stops, and allowed 54 catches on 95 targets for 743 yards, 315 yards after the catch, seven touchdowns, seven interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 75.9. Skinner lined up with 811 snaps in the box, 623 at free safety, 336 in the slot, 28 along the defensive line, and 26 at cornerback. Stat to Know: 2022 was by far Skinner’s best season in coverage — he gave up just 17 catches on 32 targets for 176 yards, 89 yards after the catch, one touchdown, four interceptions, three pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 40.1. Strengths: Skinner’s average depth of target in 2022 was 16.7 yards — only Pitt’s Brandon Hill had a higher aDOT among NCAA safeties at 17.6 — so you want to see how well he’s dealing with those deep targets. Well, Skinner allowed no completions on four deep targets (20 or more air yards) from the deep third, so that’s pretty good. Skinner absolutely has the size, range, and aggressiveness to turn deep balls into risky propositions for any receiver. When the play is in front of him, Skinner is smart enough to know where to be on the field, and when to break for the ball. And if you’re going to draft a defensive back this big, you want him to avoid anybody running through his face in the run game. Skinner checks out well there. He could be an even more formidable run-stopper if he added a bit more mass to his frame without accidentally turning himself into a linebacker. Weaknesses: If Skinner is late in his diagnosis on a play, he doesn’t have the vertical recovery speed to make up for it. He’s better when he can read the play, keep things in front of him, and attack from there. If it’s a problem against Wyoming, it’s going to be a problem in the NFL. As is the case for most taller, longer defensive backs, Skinner can be a step late to deal with quicker underneath routes. He may be best suited for a deeper designation as a result. Conclusion: When evaluating players of Skinner’s stature, you have to understand how he’ll fit in your defense as opposed to being turned on by his traits. And in his case, the improvement in coverage in the 2022 season has me thinking that he’d be a fine two-level NFL safety, roaming from the box to the deep third, as long as things don’t get past him in a vertical sense. He’s a great gatekeeper because of his size, and he may not have reached his peak in how he’ll be able to use that size to his best advantage. NFL Comparison: Jayron Kearse. The Vikings selected Kearse in the seventh round of the 2016 draft out of Clemson, and the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kearse has transcended that status with several seasons for Minnesota, the Lions, and the Cowboys in which he’s proven to be adept in coverage from the slot and deep, while providing good run support. Like Kearse, Skinner might not be your marquee safety at the NFL level, but he can do a lot of things that are valuable to professional defensive coordinators.) (3-30-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-top-11-safeties-brian-branch-sydney-brown-jl-skinner/
NFL Combine preview: 8 safeties the Lions should be watching (JL Skinner, Boise State, 6-foot-4, 211: I’m cheating a bit here because Skinner injured his shoulder a week before the Combine and won’t be participating, but he spends about 60% of his snaps in the box and loves to use his length/power to deliver hits. He’s excellent in run support and can run with tight ends, which should get him drafted on Day 2.) (3-1-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/1/23615530/2023-nfl-combine-preview-8-safeties-detroit-lions-watch
2023 Combine preview: Safety (Combine sleeper to watch: JL Skinner, Boise State, 6-4, 220. Skinner has terrific size and versatility having played deep and box safety and slot corner for Boise State. He recorded six interceptions the last two seasons. He struggled some in 1-on-1 coverage at the Senior Bowl, but teams are going to love his size and skillset in the right system as a potential Day 2 pick.) (2-24-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-safety-branch-johnson-brown
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Combine (Down - J.J. Skinner III, S, Boise State: Skinner was a solid player for Boise State, and he did not look bad at the Senior Bowl in coverage. Skinner, however, showed has possesses an alarmingly small lower body for the NFL. Skinner is extremely skinny and thin in his bottom half. He is going to need time to grow stronger in order to hold up and tackle at the pro level.
) (2-21-23): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_24.php
NFL Draft 2023 All Senior Bowl Team (JL Skinner, Boise State - His exceptional length is really what gets the adrenaline pumping when eyeing up Skinner. Today he showed a knack for getting to the deep ball and range that likely impressed NFL scouts in attendance. The All-Mountain West First Team safety held back on one play. If it were full contact, he would have leveled the ball catcher. Skinner maintained his composure and let the moment to unleash a magnificent hit left to our imaginations.
) (2-4-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-all-senior-bowl-team
Senior Bowl Day 3 observations: Another unremarkable practice for quarterbacks (We have yet to talk about Boise State behemoth safety JL Skinner III, and that’s a shame. He measured 6-foot-4, 211 pounds and looked every inch of that length with some desirable arms. He opened the day by shooting like a bat out of hell downfield, dropping Clemson tight end Davis Allen in a one-on-one drill. It was all hands and looked clean from the stands, dropping the tight end before he could even make a move at the snap.) (2-2-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-3-observations-another-unremarkable-practice-for-quarterbacks.html
Senior Bowl notebook: Day 1 observations and first impressions (JL Skinner: It’s very easy to notice Boise State safety JL Skinner. He’s huge at 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds. Other than having skinnier legs, he looked very much like he belonged with the National team linebackers. Skinner showed very good footwork and balance while moving for a taller DB. He stays low in his stance and didn’t have the wide turn radius that often plagues guy at his length. There was no tackling so it’s difficult to judge the run defense other than making the right read and quickly reacting. Skinner checked those boxes. He looks like a guy who could elevate himself into first-round consideration. Right now Skinner is generally projected in the 40-75 overall range.) (1-31-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-notebook-day-1-observations-and-first-impressions/
2023 NFL Draft: Senior Bowl Recap Day 1 (S JL Skinner, Boise State:
Coming into the year, JL Skinner was one of the top safety prospects in our rankings. He was more inconsistent throughout the year than was hoped of him, but he's starting the Senior Bowl week with a bang. He flashed the entire day of practice, whether it was positional or team drills, everyone's eyes gravitated to him. Scout Take: It is hard to find safeties with all the tools Skinner possesses and his high-level tape will make him one of the most coveted defensive backs in next year’s class.l) (1-31-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-senior-bowl-recap-day-1#gid=ci02b6c4fe0001258d&pid=s-jl-skinner-boise-state
PFF's top 2023 NFL Draft prospects at the Senior Bowl and what we want to see (S JL SKINNER, BOISE STATE (
Big Board Rank: 51, What We Want to See: Slot coverage): With the way the slot position is trending in the NFL, Skinner may very well follow the path of Kyle Hamilton last year as a 6-foot-4 college safety who ends up as a slot in the league. Having a player who can defend the run at a high level there is so crucial with light boxes taking over around the NFL. Skinner was mainly a box player for Boise State, although he does have 336 career slot snaps to his name.
) (1-31-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-senior-bowl
2023 Senior Bowl: Group of Five NFL Draft Prospects Include Rashee Rice, Tyjae Spears, and More (JL Skinner, S, Boise State:
Boise State safety JL Skinner isn’t just one of the top Group of Five NFL Draft prospects at the Senior Bowl, he’s one of the very best at his position. The Broncos standout entered the college football season as a potential S1 in this 2023 NFL Draft class, and while there are others that have elevated their game above him this year, he’s still very much amongst the best. At 6’4″ and 220 pounds, Skinner is likely to receive some “Kyle Hamilton-lite” comparisons, but that’s being slightly unfair to his legitimate skill set. The Boise State safety is an exceptionally explosive athlete with the speed to cover from sideline to sideline. Furthermore, his ability to come downhill with force in both phases is truly breathtaking.) (1-31-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/group-of-five-nfl-draft-prospects-2023-senior-bowl/
2023 Senior Bowl: Top 10 NFL Draft Prospects Competing (JL Skinner, S, Boise State: Although the Day 1 attention he received early in the cycle has cooled, Boise State safety JL Skinner is still one of the top prospects at the Senior Bowl. Measuring in favorably compared to last year’s draft darling Kyle Hamilton, Skinner plays with the same level of ferocity. He’s an explosive athlete with sideline-to-sideline speed and breathtaking physicality in all phases.
) (1-30-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-senior-bowl-top-10-nfl-draft-prospects-competing/
Thor's 2023 Senior Bowl Preview (Mystery Man: JL Skinner -
We have plenty of tape on Skinner, with 1,825 defensive snaps taken in college. But he’s the only non-P5 safety in this group, and he’s more of your old-school in-the-box safety than he is a new-age chess piece. Skinner is a total unknown as a blitzer, because BSU only sent him after the quarterback 13 times over his career. This is in part a testament to his coverage – despite not being the most fleet-of-foot safety, Skinner was a big plus in the MWC, posting PFF grades over 80.0 in that facet in each of the past two years. He’s not very agile and will struggle to stay with fleet-footed skill players in space, but Skinner is fast and north-south explosive, especially for his size. Skinner is clever in coverage, always in the right position reading the quarterback’s eyes. This his is how you want to use him – with the action unfolding in front of him, not with his back to the quarterback. Skinner crashes down to the catch point with authority, either getting his mitts on the ball or jarring the receiver as it arrives. In the run game, Skinner is a plus. He relentlessly works to the ball until the whistle blows, and he’s a punishing finisher when he gets home. Importantly, he’s also a very reliable tackler. Proven at the G5 level but about to step up in competition, and arriving in Mobile with a few questions on his profile scouts would like answers to, Skinner has an opportunity to rise with a big week.) (1-30-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-senior-bowl-preview-defense/
Top Safeties at the 2023 Senior Bowl Include Jammie Robinson and JL Skinner (2. JL Skinner, Boise State:
Arguably the top of the “big safeties” in this class, JL Skinner proved that he was much more than a lumbering, physical force for Boise State in 2022. Skinner dominated in coverage over the past two seasons, nabbing six of his seven career interceptions since 2021. At 6’4″ and 220 pounds, Skinner lays a boom when he makes plays over the middle of the field. But his size is carried by an impressive athleticism that allows him to cover receivers from the slot all the same.) (1-27-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-safeties-at-the-2023-senior-bowl/
15 Draft Prospects Lions Should Watch at Senior Bowl (S J.L. Skinner (Boise State):
Skinner was one of the most productive defenders at the Group of Five level, finishing with four interceptions and 65 tackles. The Lions must decide whether to bring back safety DeShon Elliott, and Skinner could be a capable replacement should the veteran elect to play somewhere else.) (1-27-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/prospects-lions-should-watch-senior-bowl
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-New Year's Day Bowls (Up - J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State: Over the past few seasons, Skinner (6-4, 220) was a solid safety for the Broncos. The senior totaled 65 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up in 2022. In 2021, he recorded 92 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and six passes broken up. Skinner accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. At his size, he is a big strong safety, so he may have to move to linebacker for the NFL.) (1-10-23):
https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_19.php
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 safety prospects (4. J.L. SKINNER, BOISE STATE (SENIOR | 6-4, 220) (
2022 PFF Grade: 74.7, Play Style: Box Safety/Dimebacker, Initial Round Projection: Early Day 2): If an NFL team's scheme has a defined box safety role, there’s not a better player to fill it in the draft class than Skinner. He’s extremely fluid for a 220-pounder and can easily be a tight end eraser at the next level. This past season, he allowed only 17 catches on 32 targets for 176 yards with four picks and three pass breakups. The worry is what happens when he can’t play around the line of scrimmage. His range is average at best, and his change-of-direction ability doesn't come close to that of others on this list. In many schemes, a switch to linebacker may even be in the cards.) (1-6-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-safety-rankings
Top 10 S in the 2023 NFL Draft: Brian Branch Emerging as the Top Prospect (3. JL Skinner, Boise State:
JL Skinner officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Dec. 20. But in truth, he’s been viewed as a potential early-round safety prospect since the early summer months. When he tests at the NFL Combine, Skinner’s athleticism at 6’4″, 220 pounds, could win teams over across the board. Skinner has elite explosiveness and eye-catching range for his size, but that athleticism isn’t even the most exciting trait with him. He can still refine his coverage technique a bit more, but Skinner has a definite playmaking gene in both phases, and his sheer physicality at contact is truly unmatched.) (12-26-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-s-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-jl-skinner-starts-the-season-as-the-superior-safety-prospect/
2023 NFL Draft: Aspirational pro-player comps for top Senior Bowl prospects (20. JL Skinner, S, Boise State (6-4, 220)*:
Aspirational NFL comp: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers. With his rare build, Skinner could sneak into Day 1 of the draft if he showcases top-end agility and coverage skills at the Senior Bowl and combine. He has been one of the top hitters in college football over the past couple of seasons. If used around the line of scrimmage more consistently in the NFL -- like James -- he will terrorize quarterbacks, be a factor against the run, find receivers in zone coverage and carry tight ends downfield. At worst, I believe he will be a solid starter as a box safety, like the Cowboys' Jayron Kearse.) (12-16-22): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-aspirational-pro-player-comps-for-top-senior-bowl-prospects
NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch in early bowl games (JL Skinner, SS, redshirt Sr., Boise State:
In a classic case of saving the best for last, Skinner could wind up being the first player from this article selected in the NFL draft. At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, he possesses eye-popping size for a safety and has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to play in the box, as most would expect. Some, in fact, feel that he could continue to bulk up and handle outside linebacker duties. Defensive backs of his size who can also cover, however, are quite rare, and there is plenty of evidence that he can handle playing in space, which is why the Senior Bowl has already invited Skinner. For a big man, Skinner possesses impressive lateral agility, acceleration and ball skills, as his career-high four interceptions in 2022 can attest. A three-star recruit out of San Diego, Skinner bypassed offers from Pac-12 schools to join Boise State and has earned all-conference honors the past two seasons, culminating in First Team All-Mountain West accolades in 2022.) (12-15-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nfl-draft-top-prospects-to-watch-early-college-football-bowl-games
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 senior prospects (12. S J.L. SKINNER, BOISE STATE (
BIG BOARD RANK: 67): Skinner is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound safety, not too dissimilar physically to Kyle Hamilton a season ago. He’s been around the football a ton, as well, with four picks this season and 56 defensive stops over the past two.
) (12-13-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-ranking-class-top-30-senior-prospects
College Football: The top 15 NFL Draft prospects in Championship Week (13. S JL Skinner: With the NFL cracking down on the type of heavy hitting that has made Skinner a standout since stepping onto Boise State's famous blue turf, his stock is more unsettled than his highlight reels might suggest. And make no mistake, his highlight reels are impressive. Skinner is a runaway train in the open field, consistently delivering the type of bone-rattling hits to opponents that can make him a truly intimidating presence over the middle in coverage, as well as in run support. He has also shown much-improved ball skills this season, collecting a career-high four interceptions. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Skinner is bigger than some linebackers and will have to prove in pre-draft workouts that he possesses the speed and agility scouts are looking for to earn a high grade. He'll get plenty of opportunities in coverage against fellow NFL hopeful Jake Haener and Fresno State in the Mountain West Championship.) (12-1-22):
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/college-football-the-top-15-nfl-draft-prospects-in-championship-weekend
Week 12 College Football Team of the Week: Spencer Rattler Makes History (Safety: JL Skinner, Boise State:
The massive safety from Boise State propelled the Broncos into the Mountain West Championship Game with not one but two interceptions off Wyoming. Skinner — who stands at a massive 6’4″ — played brilliant coverage seemingly all game long and came up big in the clutch. After his offense has gifted Wyoming a favorable field position for a potential game-tying field goal with under a minute left, Skinner played safe coverage against a deep route to the end zone. He was in the perfect position to make a play on the ball after the Wyoming receiver all but quit on the route. Skinner’s second pick of the night pushed the Broncos into the MWC title game once again as the Broncos moved to a perfect 7-0 in Mountain West play.) (11-20-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-12-2022/
Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Heads a Talented Class (37. JL Skinner, S, Boise State:
Boise State safety JL Skinner remains atop the best safety prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class on our current 2023 Big Board. At 6’4″, 218 pounds, Skinner boasts the rare size that was the bedrock of Kyle Hamilton’s SAF1 candidacy last fall. From that size comes an unexpected explosion, with the ability to close on an opponent instantly. When he closes, he comes loaded with physicality. A size/explosion/intelligence triple threat, Skinner is a rare playmaker at the Group of Five level who should command significant attention next April.) (10-27-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects/
2023 NFL Draft: Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects entering Week 7 of college football season (23. JL Skinner:
What I saw: Skinner posted four tackles in Boise State's Sept. 30 win over San Diego State, filling the hole against the run. He also made plays that didn't show up in the box score, such as funneling a ball-carrier inside toward his teammates on a third-down play in the red zone, forcing the Aztecs to settle for a first-quarter field goal. Skinner helped the Broncos beat Fresno State last week, posting a team-high seven tackles. He securely wrapped up stud Bulldogs back Jordan Mims as a runner and receiver, including on a key third-down play in the second half. What's next: After a week off, Boise State travels to the Air Force Academy for an Oct. 22 matchup against a good Falcons offense that includes tight end Kyle Patterson and wide receiver David Cormier.) (10-14-22): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-senior-bowl-prospects-entering-week-7-of-college-football-
2023 NFL Draft: Top 25 Senior Bowl prospects entering Week 3 of college football season (24. JL Skinner, S, Boise State (6-4, 220):
The long, tall safety played all over the field for the Broncos in their season-opening loss to Oregon State. He led the team with 12 tackles, most of which were made inside the box against the run, but he also hustled downfield to keep ball-carriers from scoring. Skinner grabbed a tipped pass for an interception, though Beavers tight end Luke Musgrave caught passes in Skinner's area on a couple of instances. He did not play last week against New Mexico. Head coach Andy Avalos said this week that Skinner was not absent for disciplinary reasons.) (9-16-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-senior-bowl-prospects-entering-week-3-of-college-football-
Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch In Week 2 Include Brian Branch, Spencer Sanders, And Others (JL Skinner, S, Boise State:
It might have been a disappointing opener for Boise State, losing 34-17 to a good Oregon State team, but there was nothing disappointing about the performance of JL Skinner. Pro Football Network’s top-rated safety prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft class, Skinner tallied 12 tackles with one interception in the defeat. He was one of just five players in college football Week 1 who tallied 10+ tackles while logging an interception. He’s also the first Boise State Bronco to achieve the feat since former first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch. At 6’4″, 218 pounds, Skinner boasts the rare size that was the bedrock of Kyle Hamilton’s SAF1 candidacy last fall. From that size comes an unexpected explosion, with the ability to close on an opponent in an instant. When he closes, he comes loaded with physicality. A size/explosion/intelligence triple threat, Skinner is comfortably one of the top 2023 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Friday’s limited slate. The Broncos travel to New Mexico for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff.) (9-9-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-week-2-brian-branch-spencer-sanders/
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (1. JL Skinner: JL Skinner rises to the top of the safety class ahead of the season after the 6’4″, 220-pound monster has dominated out west for Boise State. Skinner has a quiet reserve about him but brings the lumber with calculated shots. He paces the class that features a ton of elite talent on the backend, including Notre Dame’s Brandon Joseph, who has a chance to make an even bigger name for himself with the Fighting Irish in 2022.) (8-26-22):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/
PFN’s All-MWC team honors ahead of the 2022 college football season (Defensive All-MWC team and player honors. MWC S of the Year - JL Skinner, Boise State: JL Skinner anchors the unit with three or four players that should be drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Broncos will be stingy in coverage once again this fall.) (8-17-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/preseason-all-mwc-team-honors-2022/
Top 10 returning players to the Mountain West headlined by QBs Jake Haener, Logan Bonner, and Hank Bachmeier (8. JL Skinner, S, Boise State: Laying the boom or roaming free in coverage, JL Skinner can do it all for the Broncos. Skinner is a big safety who plays even bigger. He doesn’t lose anything by way of speed or athleticism and plays stronger as the games go on. Skinner is instinctual and smart, rarely taking bad angles or missing tackles. A technical veteran, Skinner anchors a relatively young secondary in Boise.)(7-30-22):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-returning-mountain-west-football-players-2022/
Top 10 returning players at Boise State headlined by Hank Bachmeier and JL Skinner (2. JL Skinner, S: Boise State’s leader in tackles a season ago, JL Skinner is back to once again set the tone for this talented defense. Skinner presents a mismatch for offenses to contend with in every facet. Whether in coverage where he flies to the ball or in the run game where he consistently shuts off rushing lanes like a linebacker, Skinner is always around the football. His size is tough to handle as he stands tall over running backs with a considerable advantage in strength. He rarely gets backed out of plays and has a knack for finding the football.) (July 26, 2022):
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-returning-boise-state-football-players-2022/
PFF 2022 Preseason Jim Thorpe Award Watch List: Best DB in college football (Talented Players Who Need More Pub - S J.L. SKINNER, BOISE STATE: At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Skinner is a throwback at the safety position. Despite that, he’s no liability in coverage, earning an 80.2 grade in that regard last season. Still, he does his best work in the box. Skinner racked up 39 defensive stops last season, which ranked second-most among all safeties in college football.) (7-19-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-jim-thorpe-award-watch-list-best-db-2022
Early 2023 NFL Draft Safety Rankings: Texas A&M's Antonio Johnson comes in at No. 1 (7. JL SKINNER, BOISE STATE (SENIOR):
The enforcer on this list, Skinner is 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds — and he plays like it. His ability to stick a running back in their tracks is exactly what you want from a box safety. It stuck out like a sore thumb given his competition level. At his size, the comparisons to Kyle Hamilton will be obvious. While Skinner doesn’t have near the hip fluidity or easy movement skills when backpedaling, he is able to track well coming downhill. He improved mightily as a tackler as the 2021 season went on. After eight misses in his first four games, he whiffed on just four of 50 attempts in his final eight games.) (6-28-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2023-nfl-draft-safety-rankings
2023 NFL Draft: Three Prospects Poised to Rise Next Season (JL Skinner, S, Boise State: The safety class for the 2023 draft is wide open. There isn't a clear-cut top player, but if Skinner takes that next step this fall, he could easily be the first safety drafted. Skinner has an incredible blend of size and athleticism, with instincts that jump off his tape. He doesn't miss tackles and will be an impact player in the run game. Skinner will check every box and has a tremendous amount of upside. Everything is there for him to be one of the top defenders in next year's draft and a first-round pick.) (3-1-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-three-prospects-poised-to-rise-next-season
