By Michael J Basile AKA @MdoubleJB
Janoris Jenkins is a 30-year-old corner that has had an up and down career. He was a star at Florida for 3 years and at North Alabama after transferring because of legal issues. He found himself drafted in 2012 by the Rams and was always looked at as a dangerous guy for quarterbacks to attack.
He built a reputation as a playmaker and ballhawk that periodically had let downs due to lack of concentration and an aggressive style of play. The Giants brought Jenkins in as part of the 2016 offseason that included a $200 million defensive spending spree. That first season was incredible for the corner they call “Jack Rabbit”. The Giants were led by a dominant defense (11-5 record), and the teams first postseason appearance in years. If not the best cover corner in the league, Jenkins played as well as anyone in his first season for the Giants that included 49 tackles | 3 Int | 18 PD.
Year two was a different story; however, it was not entirely his fault, as the franchise took a turn for the worse and the locker room turned on Coach McAdoo. He missed 7 games, including a one-game suspension for violating team rules.
As per Michael Stewart wrote in the 2019 mock draft the Gmen must go defense early. Dave Gettleman and company know the offense can compete and the defense must improve to give them a realistic shot at winning football games. Jenkins bouncing back to form is a major part of that, and he still has the skills to make it happen. Now it’s a matter of his focus and heart.
Every time things are going well for Jenkins it is always tied to effort and focus. In 2018 Jenkins had a nice year; however, he plays on a talent-depleted defense. He racked up 70 tackles | two ints | 15 PD. Jenkins had been scheduled to earn a $10.9 million salary in 2018 but instead restructured converting $4.9 million into a signing bonus showings the Giants he wants to be here.
At the salary he makes, it’s put up or shut up time for the veteran corner. If big blue gets a few early wins, I’ll bet that he has another big-time season.