Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: LB Jordan Jenkins

The New York Jets outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins knows that this upcoming year he needs to bring quarterbacks down and Kevin Greene is there to help him. Here’s his full profile heading into training camp.

The New York Jets had their fair share of trouble rushing the quarterback in 2017, ranking 28th in sacks amongst all teams in the NFL. After the departure of Demario Davis to the New Orleans Saints and Muhammad Wilkerson to the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Jordan Jenkins knows that somebody has to step it up and produce if the Jets want to improve their 5-11 record from last year.

Last season, Jenkins, who spent most snaps rushing the quarterback from the left, improved his stats from his rookie season but still has a long way to go. Outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene believes that with the new techniques and fundamentals that he is teaching him, the former third-round pick is going to improve his pass rushing abilities.

Here’s his full training camp profile as he prepares for his third year with the Jets.

2017 SEASON REVIEW

Jenkins had an average season in 2017 even though he had a slight improvement from his rookie year. The 23-year-old managed to grab three sacks, a combined 49 tackles, one forced fumble, and defended two passes playing all 16 games. His run stopping ability was noticed but still was not one of the best in the league.

His best performance came in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills in a 34-21 win. Jenkins recorded two sacks, two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble. This performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

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2018 SEASON OUTLOOK

With a knack for the dirty work and powerful moves, the Georgia product is expected to continue his improvement as the left edge rusher for the Jets. This year, Jenkins needs to bring the quarterback down after he beats the tackle. This is what Jenkins said to team reporter, Ethan Greenberg of NewYorkJets.com, about working on specific techniques this offseason to take down quarterbacks:

“After we make a move on a guy, it’s how fast can you get to the quarterback. Those are some of the things we’ve been focusing on in our position room. Closing the distance and not thinking the job is over when you beat the tackle, it’s actually finishing the play.”

After receiving a Bachelor degree in business administration, No. 48 is surely expecting to cap off the 2018 year with great numbers and hopefully, many wins.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

There is no doubt Jenkins will make the roster as his run stopping abilities and newly acquired pass rushing skills will impress the coaches and fans during training camp. There is a lot of hope in this young defensive team to propel the Jets to a winning record and Jenkins is undoubtedly one of the major pieces towards success this upcoming season.