A steal in the 2019 draft, Elgton Jenkins has proven to be one of the NFL’s best interior linemen.
In Elgton Jenkins, the Packers got a rangy and versatile player. A second-round pick, Jenkins started 12 games for Green Bay in 2019 in place of Lane Taylor. And, boy, did he make the most of it! Pro Football Focus graded Jenkins the top rookie guard AND one of the league’s top ten guards. Over 571 pass-blocking snaps, Jenkins did not allow a single sack or a single QB hit. His run-blocking was effective, too. Jenkins was rewarded by being named to the 2019 NFL All-Rookie team.
Green Bay’s star tackle David Bakhtiari expressed how impressed he was with Jenkins. Others did, too. Jenkins was noted for his calmness under pressure and outstanding physicality.
So what about Jenkins in 2020? Jenkins has played all but two offensive snaps. Over 735 snaps, he has conceded just one sack (the only sack in his career). That stat is especially impressive because Jenkins has had to go up against several of the most impressive pass-rushing defensive linemen in the game, including the famed 49ers front seven, the Colts’ DeForest Buckner, and the Falcons’ Grady Jarrett.
Footwork and physicality are key to his pass-blocking. Rarely ever losing his balance, Jenkins has both the wits and the agility to stay in almost every play. And he’s seldom fully beaten. He’s especially good at dealing with cross-blitzers. Jenkins has the eye discipline to detect who he should be marking, as well as the speed to recover for teammates who’ve missed their assignments.
Jenkins’ run-blocking was a strength coming into the league, and that capacity is certainly on display in 2020. Against the Eagles, for example, Jenkins was matched against veteran Fletcher Cox, whom he was able to neutralize for the most part. In the run-game, Jenkins’ athleticism allowed him to effectively move along the line, which helped Aaron Jones open holes. And that proficiency fits the Packers’ offensive scheme. The Packers have the ninth-best rushing offense in the league, averaging 124.2 yards per game.
But Jenkins isn’t a solo act. He teams up well with GB tackle David Bakhtiari. An elite tackle, Bakhtiari’s veteran understanding of the game is one reason why the left side of the Packers’ offensive line is performing so well.
With Bakhtiari and Jenkins, the Packers have one of the best tackle-guard tandems in the league. The duo diagnoses the pass rush effectively and can carve open running lanes, both inside and out.
While some analysts might be surprised just how well Jenkins is playing, those who followed him in the college game probably aren’t. Amazingly, he played all five offensive line positions at Mississippi State and, with that, developed versatility in the trenches. Shifting positions can baffle defenses, causing mismatches. In the most recent matchup against the Eagles, Jenkins took snaps at center and played guard.
Make no mistake about it. Elgton Jenkins is a big reason why the Packers will make another playoff appearance. It’s not often that offensive linemen get credited that way. But, as they say, ‘Let’s give credit where credit is due.’
Jenkins is the real deal (photo, Maryville Daily Forum)
