The New York Jets will need another solid season from outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins if they are to be legitimate contenders for a playoff berth. Here we take a look at his player profile.
The New York Jets are in the midst of their pre-season schedule and there is a positive vibe emanating about this year’s squad. I attended a practice in Florham Park, NJ recently and everything seemed to be upbeat — very much so. One player that needs to continue his development in order to help Gang Green potentially vie for an AFC playoff berth is outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins.
Let’s take a look at his player profile:
2018 Season Recap
The 6-3, 259-pounder played in all 16 games for New York last season and tied with lineman Henry Anderson for the team lead in sacks (7). He also ranked third in quarterback hits (15) and concluded the 2018 campaign with 35 tackles (24 solo), six tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
All those stats, except for tackles, were career highs. Jenkins has above-average speed around the edge — he’s not elite but he can get to the quarterback from time to time. That’s something the Jets desperately need.
With that being said, Gang Green still ranked 26th against the run, allowing 126.3 yards per game and 25th overall defensively (380.4 yards per game). That certainly was not all Jenkins’ fault but he’ll need to take his game to a higher level for the Jets to seriously vie for an AFC playoff berth.
2019 Season Outlook
As presently constituted, the University of Georgia product will team with Brandon Copeland (OLB) and inside linebackers C.J. Mosley and Avery Williamson in New York’s 3-4 base front. This has all the makings of being one of the better linebacking units in the conference.
The addition of Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens, will be huge. If defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can get any production from rookie edge rusher Jachai Polite, a third-round pick with high upside, then this contingent can really blossom. Look for Jenkins to continue to progress. If he can stay healthy, 10 sacks is not out of the question.
Williams has high expectations for Jenkins and every player in his defensive corps, as told by Anderson via the team’s official website:
"“Coach [Williams] does a good job of holding everybody accountable for their mistakes, and if you mess up, you’re going to hear about it in front of the defense. I think that pushes guys to not want to go out there and screw their assignments up or commit penalties. Coach does a good job of holding everybody accountable.”"
Jenkins is entering his fourth season in the NFL. It’s time for him to take his game to the next level and become one of the premier outside linebackers in the league moving forward.