2020 NFL free agency: Giants interested in Jets EDGE Jordan Jenkins, per reports

The New York Giants have entered the (legal) tampering fray.

Reports from multiple beat writers agree that the New York Giants are expressing interest in New York Jets edge rusher Jordan Jenkins.

Jenkins, 25, was drafted out of the University of Georgia in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. Jenkins got off to a slow start to his career, totaling 5.5 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss in 30 games (26 starts) over his first two seasons. However, he saw a definite uptick in production over 2018 and 2019, notching 15 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss in 30 games (24 starts).

As it so happens, I scouted Jenkins this fall forT he Scouting Academy, so I thought I would share my report.

Full Summary

Fourth-year New York Jets’ defender Jordan Jenkins has a versatile frame with good size and length which can fit as a defensive end or outside linebacker. Jenkins is capable of playing on the line of scrimmage out of a two, three, or four-point stance, as well as playing off the ball in zone coverage.

Jenkins features a good get-off with solid acceleration into the backfield and the ability to transfer speed into power as a pass rusher. He works to gain proper hand placement, aiming for the inside of blockers’ frameworks. Jenkins has the strength to torque and discard blocks from tight ends as well as set an edge against offensive tackles in run defense. Jenkins also shows the ability to drop into be effective dropping into zone coverage, and is capable of covering tight ends in shallow zones.

He shows a strong motor and competitive toughness, as well as a good ability to work through traffic along the line of scrimmage in pursuit.

Jenkins has inconsistent play speed and can struggle to process play fakes quickly. He shows some hesitancy in decision making when faced with play-action or a read-option mesh point. He is inconsistent in timing his rush and will also over-run plays. Jenkins also shows some lower-body stiffness, particularly in the ankles and hips, that compromises his ability to bend the edge and flatten to the quarterback as a speed rusher. He frequently uses a two-hand swipe as a counter move to his power rushes, but is inconsistent with his timing. In run defense, Jenkins can let his base narrow and pad level rise throughout the course of a longer rep.

Projection

Jenkins would be best as a rotational player in a multiple front which would take advantage of his ability to play from multiple stances as a defensive end or outside linebacker. Being used as a pass rush specialist in a wide alignment would maximize Jenkins’ play speed and compensate for his lower-body stiffness. His ability to drop into coverage adds additional versatility for blitz-heavy schemes.

It should be noted that while Jenkins does frequently play out of a four-point stance, his is unconventional and unorthodox. He lines up with his feet even (not staggered) and hands just in front of his toes. Whether this is a matter of comfort, preference, or done to disguise intentions is unknown.