Big Board ranking: #99
Positional ranking: #8
Overview
Position: S
College: Boise State
Class: Senior
Age: 22
Measurables
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 209 lbs.
Arm length: 32”
Hand size: 8 1/4″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: N/A
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Great height and an imposing presence. Clearly loves the physicality of the game. Huge hitter. Knows how to deliver a crushing blow without taking damage himself. Quick and aggressive in run support. Tough inside the box as a tackler. Exceptional filling lanes versus the run. Will step into the hole and make a wrap-up tackle. Tremendous pursuit. Rangy tackler. Will ignore blockers and run right past them towards the ball. Uses arm extension and quickness to get off blocks. Breaks down effectively to tackle pass-catchers in the flat. Excellent overall reaction time. Quick to diagnose screen passes. Great ability to break on underneath throws. Terrific ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. Has shown he can break on routes before pass-catchers do. Size allows him to disrupt passing lanes in intermediate zone coverage. Impressive ball skills. Often does a single clap of disappointment after positive plays for the offense as if they shouldn’t do anything.
Weaknesses
Thin build despite a big frame. Can be out of control and take a poor angle as a tackler. Too many lunging grasps when stationary versus a speeding opponent. Needs to avoid being too aggressive versus play-action passes and misdirection. Average speed and range as a deep safety. Can be slow flipping his hips on the backend. Twice found himself a step behind Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave on in-breaking routes (2022).
NFL comparison
Damar Hamlin
Conclusion
Overall, Skinner is an aggressive, physical safety that will deliver big hits and can be disruptive defending the pass. He will be best used closer to the line of scrimmage with primary coverage responsibilities as a zone defender.