It appears defensive end Jordan Jenkins‘ workout today with the Raiders was successful. The former Texan and Jet agreed to sign with Las Vegas after today’s tryout, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com.
Jenkins was a five-year starter for the Jets after being selected in the third-round of the 2016 NFL Draft. It took some time for Jenkins to find his footing, but he exploded onto the scene over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. After only recording 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits in his first two seasons, Jenkins broke out with 15 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 28 QB hits over the next two years. Jenkins also has a tendency for causing turnovers over his career with seven forced fumbles and five recoveries to date.
Jenkins’ stock fell a bit over his last two years in the league. Injuries hurt his final season with the Jets, and he never seemed to be able to get past Jonathan Greenard and Jacob Martin on the depth chart in Houston. Despite the dip in recent play, Jenkins should add some value to the depth of the Raiders’ pass rushing group.
While Jenkins will have similar troubles getting atop the depth chart in Las Vegas, with Maxx Crosby and free agent addition Chandler Jones firmly cemented as starters, Jenkins joins former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell as a talented backup with starting experience. The addition of Jenkins gives the Raiders a strong two-deep at defensive end that will absolutely be necessary to succeed in a division that features Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson as the opposing quarterbacks.
It’s a win-win scenario for both parties. Jenkins will have the opportunity to play for a team that made the playoffs last year after six years with the Jets and Texans. And, if they receive a version of Jenkins that resembles his 2018-19 form, the Raiders will receive a strong defender to solidify the depth of a talented position group.
I hope Jenkins has quick feet, fast hands, can play level, square his pads and is strong enough to man handle a bull rush. That is really what the Raiders need at RT not a Carl Nassib replacement. On the bright side Carr is right-handed so he will see the hits coming, maybe they won’t hurt as much.