Can Jordan Jenkins thrive in 2018?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02: Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets celebrates with teammate outside linebacker Josh Martin #95 after sacking quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 (not pictured) of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02: Jordan Jenkins #48 of the New York Jets celebrates with teammate outside linebacker Josh Martin #95 after sacking quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 (not pictured) of the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

 Linebacker Jordan Jenkins is excited about what awaits in his third season with the New York Jets. Can he thrive in 2018?

The overall pass rush for the last few years has been lackluster for the New York Jets. From an inconsistent defensive line to linebackers that couldn’t get the job done, the Jets defense might be an area of opportunity in 2018.

Aside from their defensive secondary that could be among the best in the NFL, linebacker Jordan Jenkins is looking to take a big step heading into his third season with the Jets. It’s imperative that he does since the linebacker corps of the Jets took a big hit this offseason with Demario Davis bolting via free agency.

Ideally, Jenkins has had flashes of brilliance over the past few years but hasn’t proven to be an impact player, especially during key football situations on the gridiron. Hopefully, he puts everything together in 2018 to focus on one important statistic that is crucial for the Jets to improve on. You know, taking down quarterbacks and actually producing sacks. Jenkins knows the task at hand and recently spoke about what he needs to work on in order to get to the next level.

More from The Jet Press

In an article written by Darryl Slater of NJ.com, here is what Jenkins said about fixing that aspect of his game to thrive this upcoming season:

“For me, it’s just finishing sacks,” Jenkins said of his next step. “Getting more sacks this year, and really becoming even more dominant. I’m pretty stout against the run or whatever, but I want to be known as that dominating, aggressive linebacker.”

So far in his career with the Jets, Jenkins has totaled 52 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks. While his numbers are a bit on the light side, the good news going for Jenkins is that usually, young players tend to spike in their third year in the pros.

Can Jenkins thrive in 2018 with the Jets? To be a dominating and aggressive linebacker means to truly push the envelope and step up in ways never done before. Jenkins has the potential to make a name for himself but at the end of the day, saying what you want and doing it are two different things. Hopefully, Jenkins delivers on what he wants to be known for when it comes to his pro football career and delivers a big year for the first time in his career in 2018. Expect to see Jenkins revitalized to step up big time for the Jets heading into year three with Gang Green.