New York Jets get sleeper pick with Jordan Jenkins

The New York Jets made a sleeper pick in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft with another investment in their defense. Linebacker Jordan Jenkins will thrive in the city that never sleeps.

The Jets are used to being the little brother to the New York Giants. Jordan Jenkins has a similar feeling with Leonard Floyd from their time in Georgia. Floyd got all the credit on the Bulldogs’ defense despite not getting the production (only 4.5 sacks last season). While Jenkins did the majority of the dirty work, he collected 19 sacks during his four year career at Georgia.

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Jenkins did a little bit of everything as he forced at least one fumble every season, a large number of tackles for losses and posted over 200 tackles. The Jets got a steal in the third round who could be the pass rusher the Jets were looking for all offseason long.

Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) reacts after making a tackle against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Tech 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A quick review: the Jets got a versatile inside linebacker who can also play outside of Darron Lee, in the second round the Jets invested in a potential franchise quarterback in Christian Hackenberg and then finally, they added a 3-4 outside linebacker in Jenkins.

One of the most highly respected NFL scouts in the business is Matt Miller from Bleacher Report. Miller raved about the Jets draft haul through three rounds of the draft:

Darron LeeChristian HackenbergJordan Jenkins

Regardless of order, that’s a great haul for the @nyjets on my board.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 30, 2016

The Jets filled needs, hopefully found the future quarterback of the franchise and still have three picks left on their draft board currently. Look for Jenkins to replace Calvin Pace, which all but eliminates any chance at a return to the team.

In one of my draft slideshows, New York Jets: Top 5 predictions for third round of draft, Jenkins was prominently featured as the second most likely candidate to be selected by the time the Jets were on the clock. In that same article, a bit about Jenkins scouting report was revealed:

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“He was a three-year starter who has played both outside linebacker spots. Jenkins isn’t dangerous enough as a pass rusher to warrant a first-round pick, but he’’s a safe pick whose football toughness and high awareness make him a player that has immediate starter potential.”