New York Jets Player Profile: Jordan Jenkins
Jordan Jenkins is a young, talented outside linebacker for an improving New York Jets defensive unit, and we look at his profile coming into 2017.
Although the New York Jets are not expected to compete for a AFC playoff berth this coming season, they are starting to build a viable defensive unit. One of the building blocks of that defense is second-year outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins.
The University of Georgia product was a third round selection (83rd overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 6-3, 257-pound weakside linebacker showed a great deal of promise for Gang Green last year.
Let’s take a look at his player profile:
2016 Season Recap
The Houston, TX native played in 14 games, starting 11 of them. He registered 22 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles. Although he did not have an interception, Jenkins was pretty effective at helping stuff the run. He also had two passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
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One area of disappointment was that Jenkins collected just 2.5 sacks. He has the ability and potential to register many more than that. He was a rookie last season so you have to give him the benefit of the doubt while he adjusts to the pro game.
2017 Season Preview
As presently constituted, Jenkins should start in New York’s base 3-4 defense along with fellow linebackers Demario Davis, Darron Lee and the versatile Sheldon Richardson. Jenkins worked during the offseason with former NFL defensive end Chuck Smith to help improve his pass rushing technique. Smith collected 58.5 sacks during his nine-year career and is known for working with NFL prospects and current players.
Jenkins felt he made some real progress after training with Smith for a couple of months, as he explained to nj.com:
"“He really just helped me understand. You have to really learn pass rush. And I never really was taught pass rush at any level, from high school on up. I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I started working with Chuck.”"
Look for defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers to dial up a few more blitz packages for Jenkins as he continues to hone his game. The Jets ranked just 29th in the league last year in sacks with 27. They have too much talent for that putrid showing to happen again. They have to get better.
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Expect Jenkins to at least double his total number of sacks from last season as he becomes more and more comfortable. While strong against the run, he can always improve in that area as well. He brings a dimension of speed that has been generally lacking at the linebacker position for a few years now. Jenkins should be a solid pro for many seasons to come.