Janoris Jenkins: Let’s cut the Giants’ corner some slack already

Let’s calm down with the hysteria about Janoris Jenkins already. Thus far during New York Giants training camp every video or tweet of a pass being completed in Jenkins’ direction has led to typical Internet overreaction.

Let’s get a grip. Yes, I have gone on record as saying that Jenkins is the most likely to fail of all of the high-priced free agents the Giants signed during the offseason. That doesn’t mean he will fail. It also doesn’t mean he should be labeled as a failed signing FIVE PRACTICES INTO TRAINING CAMP. I mean, geez, you’d think this guy hurt Odell Beckham or something.

A couple of those long passes Jenkins has given up were to Beckham. That guy is pretty good, in case you didn’t know, and he’s torched pretty good corners like Richard Sherman and Josh Norman in games that counted. A couple of those were fantastic, perfectly-placed throws with Jenkins in good position. There have also been lots of good plays by Jenkins, like the outstanding one he made on a deep ball from Eli Manning right before getting his feet tangled up with and cleating Odell Beckham the other day.

After Wednesday’s practice Jenkins, who signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract with the Giants ($28.8M guaranteed), got plenty of support from head coach Ben McAdoo and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton.

“I think he picked it up (the defense) right away. I think he's playing fast and competitive and physical,” McAdoo said. “He's everything we thought and more. I think he has some leadership potential. Does a nice job of taking the young guys under his wing.”

“He’s doing a great job right now. He’s a leader of the group, and very competitive,” Walton said. “He brings a lot of energy and uplifts the group on the back end, so we’re very pleased with what he’s brought to the table so far.”

Signing Jenkins might turn out to be a monumental mistake. It might turn out to be a master stroke by GM Jerry Reese. We can’t know which less than a week after training camp began.

Let’s give the guy a break. Let him continue to learn the defense, and his new teammates. Let’s see how it all comes together and how it plays out throughout the season. Then we can decide. Not now.