JL Skinner could be the next Boise State defender to make an impact in the NFL, following in the footsteps of Demarcus Lawrence. Lawrence has been a standout for the Dallas Cowboys since he was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Boise State has not been renowned as a school to produce high-caliber NFL players, but Lawrence has certainly put the Broncos on the map.
Skinner could well be the next star to emerge and may even be selected higher than Lawrence in the latter stages of the first round. Offensive tackle Ryan Clady was the last Bronco to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft when he was picked 12th overall in 2008. There’s no chance Skinner will be taken that high, but there will be a number of teams interested in his skill set at safety – despite his torn pectoral muscle that ruled him out of the NFL Combine – including a lot of talented sides at the end of the first round.
Kansas City Chiefs
After triumphing in Super Bowl 57 in the 2022 campaign, the Chiefs are the leading contenders in the NFL odds to win the Super Bowl in 2023. The Chiefs have endured an exodus of players and need to rebuild part of their roster. Outstanding safety Juan Thornhill left the franchise to sign for the Cleveland Browns, leaving a void in the deep third of the field.
Kansas City signed Marc Edwards as strong safety to pair with Justin Reid. However, Skinner would be a good addition as a third safety before ousting either Reid or Edwards. He would bring a level of physicality to the Chiefs’ defense in the back end and a ball-hawk quality that has taken a hit with the departure of Thornhill. Skinner recorded a career-high four interceptions in his final season with the Broncos.
Given the way that the Chiefs take a lead in the majority of their games, he would have a great chance to become a playmaker in the secondary for Andy Reid’s men. He could be a contender for the final pick in the first round, although the Chiefs do have a lot of holes to fill to maintain their stranglehold on the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were beaten by the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. They arguably have a greater need in the secondary after losing Jessie Bates during free agency. Bates was a standout for the Bengals for five seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2018 Draft. He notched 14 interceptions and 479 tackles, missing only two games in his entire Bengals career. Skinner would seemingly fit into the defense perfectly at Lou Anarumo’s unit. He has the range that would allow him to patrol the middle of the field and act as a robber for passers looking for deep shots on crossing routes.
Alternatively, Anarumo could also use his size to great effect at tight end. There are not many 6ft 4in safeties in the NFL that have his speed and physicality, making Skinner the perfect chess piece for Anarumo to deploy, especially against the best teams in the AFC where they will face Travis Kelce and Dawson Knox. It would make a lot of sense to draft Bates’ replacement high in the 2023 NFL Draft, although the signing of Nick Scott could see them forego a move for Skinnernwith their top pick in place of other needs.
Second Round
Skinner could fall to the second round and that should be his final stop, although there are no guarantees in the NFL Draft. The New York Jets have a void at safety and Robert Saleh would relish using Skinner in his defense, especially having coached a similar player in the form of Kam Chancellor during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. The Jets might have to use one or both of their second-round picks to acquire Aaron Rodgers, so it might take them out of the equation. The Packers could use those picks to swoop in to bolster their defense, although they also have pressing needs elsewhere.
The New England Patriots would make a lot of sense following Devin McCourty’s retirement. Skinner has a lot of measurables that Bill Belichick covets from defenders as well as being a player who can operate on special teams. Look out for New England at 46 should Skinner slide that far.
