Malcolm Jenkins is being groomed as the eventual replacement for Darren Sharper, according to beat writer Mike Triplett.

Jenkins has officially been moved to safety after spending his rookie year as a corner. With Sharper working on a one-year deal, Jenkins will likely be an inside defensive back in nickel and dime packages this season. But Sharper is 35 and Jenkins could be the full-time free safety as soon as 2011.

Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed that Malcolm Jenkins will take reps at safety during Organized Team Activities.

Darren Sharper (microfracture surgery) isn't going to practice until training camp at the earliest, so Jenkins and Usama Young will likely be shuttled in and out of the lineup at free safety. Jenkins will also work on improving his slot corner skills. He was New Orleans' dime back most of last season.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis said Monday that the team has not decided 2009 first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins' position for 2010.

Jenkins played corner as a rookie, but his best pro position is safety with mid-4.5s speed at 6'0/204. Due to Darren Sharper's recovery from microfracture surgery, the Saints may need a new Week 1 starter at free safety. It would be a big surprise if Jenkins didn't get reps there before training camp.

Malcolm Jenkins is a candidate to move to free safety following the addition of first-round CB Patrick Robinson.

It's the position many teams expected him to ultimately play at the NFL level, so the Saints have plenty of leverage with free agent Darren Sharper. Usama Young and 2009 fourth-rounder Chip Vaughn are the other options, but Jenkins makes more sense. The Saints secondary has come a long way since Jason David.