Denver Broncos rookie safety JL Skinner, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle during pre-draft training, is "on track" to avoid the Physically Unable to Perform list and participate in next week's start of training camp, 9NEWS' Mike Klis reported Monday.
The Broncos nabbed Skinner with a sixth-round pick (No. 183 overall) in April's draft, much later than the Boise State product was projected to land due to his aforementioned injury, which may have been a blessing in disguise for the organization.
“We liked him throughout the process," general manager George Paton said in his post-draft press conference. "The first thing you see is the size. He's almost 6’4’. Then the athletic ability for that size. We thought was unique. The short-area quickness, the range and you see the ball skills on tape. The thing that really sticks out is his physicality and playing downhill the run game. You see that all over the tape. He's a fun watch. [Head Coach] Sean [Payton] and I have watched a lot of tape on him, and he's a fun watch. I think the injury did impact where he was drafted. We felt very fortunate to get him where we did.”
A four-year collegiate contributor, Skinner notched 208 total tackles (133 solo), 12 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and two forced fumbles for BSU. He was a first-team all-conference selection last season after leading the program with four INTs, immediately drawing the intrigue of Denver's brain trust.
"That was kind of our ‘joined at the hip player’ that we just kept looking at," head coach Sean Payton said in April. "When this process takes place, you have certain players you gravitate to. His length is something that stood out and the way he can catch the ball.”
Skinner, once medically cleared, will operate as a backup strong safety behind presumed starter Caden Sterns and returning veteran Kareem Jackson. He's also expected to pull double duty on special teams, and, as such, "it would be a surprise" if Skinner doesn't crack the 53-man final roster, according to Klis.
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