Malcolm Jenkins breaks up a pass intended for LSU's Early Doucet during the 2007-08 BCS Championship Game.

AP photo / Nam Y. Huh

With the NFL Draft slated for April 25-26, this is the 15th of daily looks at a player who could be on the New England Patriots’ radar. All profiles can also be found at projo.com/patriots.

Player: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

Height and Weight: 6-feet, 204 pounds

Position: Cornerback/safety

Hometown: Piscataway, N.J. (Piscataway HS)

Senior year: 57 tackles (34 solo), 3 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, 4 tackles for loss

Career: 196 tackles (124 solo), 11 interceptions, 17 passes defensed, 13 ½ tackles for loss

Honors: Jim Thorpe winner (nation’s best defensive back), two-time All-American, three-time first-team All-Big Ten

NFL Combine numbers

4.51 seconds (40-yard dash)

15 reps (bench press)

33 inches (vertical leap)

10-foot-4 (broad jump)

Is he a fit for the Patriots?

In terms of his intangibles like intelligence, consistency and eschewing near-guaranteed first-round money had he entered the draft last year to play his senior season, absolutely. But though he was a premier shutdown corner in college, Jenkins’ disappointing 40-yard dash time at the Combine (he was even a hair slower at the Buckeyes’ pro day) has scouts wondering if he might be better as a safety at the NFL level.

But Jenkins’ timed speed is one of few concerns, as he has all the other tools for cornerback: he’s very physical at the line and able to knock receivers at their routes, he has loose hips to change direction and follow receivers, can stay with the fastest receivers on the sideline, has great hands for pulling in interceptions, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support.

Jenkins sometimes takes chances to make a play on the ball, and can use some work on his tackling, particularly in the open field. The former high school track standout is considered a top-10 pick, but he visited with the Patriots (who own the 23rd pick) this week.

smanza@projo.com