Lanky Livingston
Guest
Jarvis Jenkins is only six days into his first NFL training camp, but the rookie defensive lineman is already turning heads.
A daily standout in one-on-one drills between offensive and defensive linemen, the 2011 second-round pick has been the subject of praise from both Mike Shanahan and Jim Haslett. The 23-year-old defensive end has seen action at both defensive end spots during the first week of camp.
But while Jenkins knows he’s generated some early-August buzz, he’s not celebrating just yet.
“The main thing for me is to come in here and get the plays down and get my technique right,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t show I was a rookie. I’ve got to play like a veteran. I have to learn from these older guys and I need to do it quick.”
Adjusting from college ball to the NFL is an arduous task for any rookie, but because Jenkins is learning a new position his learning curve is increasingly steeper.
A defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense at Clemson, the Redskins are asking Jenkins to play on the outsides of their three-man front.
“Everything is new to him,” said Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. “It’s not uncommon or anybody playing any position that he’s never played before. They’re all going through growing pains.”
Haslett and his defensive assistants are convinced, however, that Jenkins won’t have any problems converting to Washington’s defensive scheme.
“He’s ideal for [the 3-4],” Haslett said. “He’s a big human being, he’s very coachable, he likes to work. Everything you’re looking for in that position, he fits the bill.”
Jenkins’ college role demanded that he stuffed the run first and rushed the quarterback second. That’s not going to change in the NFL. But the 315-pound defender feels like he can use his quickness to create consistent penetration when rushing the passer.
“Obviously I’m big and I use power but I can also convert to speed so I kind of mix it up a little bit,” Jenkins said. “Maybe I’ll bullrush one time but the second time I’ll rip outside and just try to get off the edge, mixing it up and not giving my guy one thing to block.”
The fact that Jenkins spent much of Wednesday’s workout at left defensive end in intriguing because the team signed new starters to play right-end (Stephen Bowen) and nose tackle (Barry Cofield). Returning starter Adam Carriker is expected to anchor the left side of Washington’s front.
Carriker’s play improved as the season progressed last season. He’s stout against the run and he showed quality pass-rushing burst in a late-season game at Jacksonville. But Jenkins will look to spend the rest of training camp trying to close the gap between he and the holdover starter.
“He’s a big, strong, powerful kid,” Haslett said about his rookie. “Once he gets his footwork and his technique down then he’ll fit into the defense fine.”
Jenkins’ goal is to fit in better than 'fine.’ He wants to make an impact.
“I want to help these guys out right away,” he said. “I want to show that they made the right choice.”
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A daily standout in one-on-one drills between offensive and defensive linemen, the 2011 second-round pick has been the subject of praise from both Mike Shanahan and Jim Haslett. The 23-year-old defensive end has seen action at both defensive end spots during the first week of camp.
But while Jenkins knows he’s generated some early-August buzz, he’s not celebrating just yet.
“The main thing for me is to come in here and get the plays down and get my technique right,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t show I was a rookie. I’ve got to play like a veteran. I have to learn from these older guys and I need to do it quick.”
Adjusting from college ball to the NFL is an arduous task for any rookie, but because Jenkins is learning a new position his learning curve is increasingly steeper.
A defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense at Clemson, the Redskins are asking Jenkins to play on the outsides of their three-man front.
“Everything is new to him,” said Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. “It’s not uncommon or anybody playing any position that he’s never played before. They’re all going through growing pains.”
Haslett and his defensive assistants are convinced, however, that Jenkins won’t have any problems converting to Washington’s defensive scheme.
“He’s ideal for [the 3-4],” Haslett said. “He’s a big human being, he’s very coachable, he likes to work. Everything you’re looking for in that position, he fits the bill.”
Jenkins’ college role demanded that he stuffed the run first and rushed the quarterback second. That’s not going to change in the NFL. But the 315-pound defender feels like he can use his quickness to create consistent penetration when rushing the passer.
“Obviously I’m big and I use power but I can also convert to speed so I kind of mix it up a little bit,” Jenkins said. “Maybe I’ll bullrush one time but the second time I’ll rip outside and just try to get off the edge, mixing it up and not giving my guy one thing to block.”
The fact that Jenkins spent much of Wednesday’s workout at left defensive end in intriguing because the team signed new starters to play right-end (Stephen Bowen) and nose tackle (Barry Cofield). Returning starter Adam Carriker is expected to anchor the left side of Washington’s front.
Carriker’s play improved as the season progressed last season. He’s stout against the run and he showed quality pass-rushing burst in a late-season game at Jacksonville. But Jenkins will look to spend the rest of training camp trying to close the gap between he and the holdover starter.
“He’s a big, strong, powerful kid,” Haslett said about his rookie. “Once he gets his footwork and his technique down then he’ll fit into the defense fine.”
Jenkins’ goal is to fit in better than 'fine.’ He wants to make an impact.
“I want to help these guys out right away,” he said. “I want to show that they made the right choice.”
Link
