New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins May Be Worth Every Penny

One of the newest members of the New York Giants is cornerback Janoris Jenkins. While his contract is a hefty one, the ex-Ram may prove to be worth the money.

When the New York Giants inked cornerback Janoris Jenkins to a lucrative, $62.5 million deal, a lot of people were skeptical. Jenkins has never made a Pro Bowl, and he’s not exactly a top-tier cornerback like Patrick Peterson or Richard Sherman.

Pro Football Focus labeled the Jenkins signing one of the top-ten worst moves of the offseason. Like “The Godfather 3,” the Giants’ signing of Jenkins was lampooned and blasted.

More from New York Giants

Despite the critics, there’s a chance Jenkins proves to be worth — almost — every penny. When examining Jenkins, it’s imperative to recall New York’s 2015 signing of special-teams ace Dwayne Harris.

The team gave Harris, who was never a starter on offense in Dallas, $17 million. Like the Jenkins signing, that move was met with much doubt. The result? Four receiving touchdowns and two return touchdowns — one on a kick return and one on a punt return.

Basically, the Giants got their money’s worth with Harris. Also, like when the Giants signed Harris, the team has a plan for Jenkins.

They didn’t throw starter money at Harris for him to become a true, No. 1, ‘X’ receiver. Yes, they overpaid, but it was with purpose. The price for both Harris and Jenkins is less about the Giants being fiscally irresponsible, and more about the state of the free agency market; you pay Michael Jackson money to sign Titos.

Look, just because Jenkins is one of the highest-paid corners in the league doesn’t mean he’s going to assume No. 1 cornerback duties. That role is reserved for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who had a career year in 2015.

The plan is likely for the Giants’ bolstered pass rush to help the secondary. The Giants spent big to bring in Olivier Vernon and retain Jason Pierre-Paul. A strong pass rush makes cornerbacks’ lives much easier, even if a team’s cornerbacks lack playmaking ability.

Speaking of playmaking ability, Jenkins has that in spades.

He’s one of the best in the league at making plays on the ball, displaying an aggressive play style when the ball’s in the air. I’m willing to bet the reason the Giants spent so much to obtain Jenkins is because they believe his ball skills would fit perfectly with the team’s improved pass-rush.

Does Jenkins take too many risks on the ball? Absolutely. Sometimes his risk-taking gets him in trouble, and he’s far from a lockdown cornerback. You have to admire Jenkins’ ability to play with confidence, though. It’s such an underrated trait in cornerbacks.

However, Jenkins is an upgrade over Prince Amukamara. Unlike the often-injured Amukamara, Jenkins has only missed four games in his entire NFL career. Furthermore, Jenkins’ playmaking skills are head-and-shoulders above Amukamara’s.

He’s not a great man coverage cornerback, but thrives in zone.

In that regard, he reminds me of a less-refined Asante Samuel. During his prime, Samuel was one of the league’s most disruptive cornerbacks.

Apparently, Jenkins is already fitting in with his new team.

“So far, I’m comfortable,” Jenkins said, according to John Schmeelk of Giants.com. “I know the plays, I have them down pat. Now it’s just bonding with the safety. Him knowing what I do and how I like to play, and me understanding how he plays.”

must read: The Best of Odell Beckham Jr. is Still to Come

Jenkins also mentioned how beneficial it is for him to be playing alongside another playmaking cornerback who complements his skill set.

“It’s huge,” Jenkins said. “You don’t have to worry about the other side. You just motivate each other to make plays. I feel like it’s a big positive step as a secondary, and I look forward it.”

Jenkins is in a perfect place to succeed. He’s going to have a chance to make game-changing plays, which is exactly why the Giants paid so much for him.

Home/New York Giants