Coming into this year’s NFL Draft, the New York Jets knew addressing the linebacker position would be a priority.
For the second year in a row, the Jets general manager Mike Macaggan turned to the third round to pick an outside linebacker,
Jordan Jenkins, out of Georgia. Jenkins will join last year’s pick, Lorenzo Mauldin, in head coach Todd Bowles’ revamped linebackers corps.
This was a strong pick for the Jets in the third round.
Jenkins, 6’3”, 259 pounds, fills a need at linebacker and his skill set is an ideal fit for the 3-4 defensive scheme.
What Jenkins lacks in pass-rushing skills, he more than makes up for with his run-defense on the edge. He was a three-year starter at Georgia and brings a football IQ with him which could help escalate his development into an NFL starter.
Jenkins might be a risk in pass coverage, since run-defense is more his specialty.
Jets first-round pick, Darron Lee, however, could help offset that with his speed and ability to cover sideline to sideline.
Mauldin, Lee, and now Jenkins give the Jets much-needed youth and speed at the outside linebacker position.