2016 NFL Draft: early look at Georgia’s Jordan Jenkins
By Jon Dove
Georgia’s Jordan Jenkins is an experienced and technically sound defensive prospect. He lines up on the edge where he works out of both a 2 and 3-point stance. Jenkins also offers some versatility showing the athleticism to drop in coverage from time to time.
His best attribute is his commitment to using leverage and gaining inside hand placement. Jenkins routinely fires off the ball and generates a jolt helping him create space to work. His use of leverage also helps him hold at the point of attack and set the edge against the run.
Jenkins’ sound technique carries over to his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. This clip shows him using leverage and hand placement to drive the blocker back into the quarterback:
The concern is that Jenkins doesn’t consistently put pressure on the quarterback. He doesn’t show that elite quickness off the edge needed to turn the corner. In the 2015 game against Alabama, Jenkins was often neutralized by a tight end.
This clip shows the tight end keeping Jenkins off the quarterback which in turned provided enough time to connect on a long touchdown:
Jenkins needs to prove he’s capable of generating a consistent pass rush if he hopes to come off the board early in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, he does show skills as a traditional linebacker and that versatility may help his value.
Current Draft Position: Late 3rd Round