The New York Jets off-season was short of being flashy but served as more of a bargain hunting, free agency period. They went out in the mist of losing many probowl players and quietly added depth at the right price to fill in those holes. One particular area they added depth to was the defensive line. One player the Jets decided to add to the roster was free agent, defensive linemen, Jarvis Jenkins, 5th year man out of Clemson. He was a second round pick by the Redskins in the 2011 draft and then injuries and suspensions built up. He went on to sign a one-year deal with the Bears and had arguably his best season. He combined for 32 tackles and 4 sacks, starting 15 games last season. The New York Jets signed him on a two-year deal worth about 7 million dollars.
Coming out of Clemson he was a very raw prospect but an athletically gifted defensive linemen. He was a two-year starter, awarded all-conference honors as a senior.
The 5th year defense end/defensive tackle has started 48 of 59 games over his last 4 seasons in the NFL, although in his rookie season he tore his ACL and did not play. He has good height, standing at 6 feet 4 inches, with great arm length and large size weighing at 300 pounds with an evenly distributed frame. He is a good athlete, for his size and is able to get off the ball quickly. This helps him when playing the run and while rushing the passer. The thing that works in his favor is his great motor, which benefits him in the pass game. His motor and competitive toughness allow him to accumulate his QB pressures. He works best as a role player while getting a certain amount of snaps each game helps him stay fresh in the pass and run game.
Often when he gets tired, his ability to play the run can deteriorate throughout the game. He struggles to play with power, which sounds weird for a man his size, but happens due to his pad level. He can get off the ball quickly with great pop but at times can allow himself to be blocked and controlled by good offensive linemen. He will be most effective rushing the passer from a 3 technique. He is not quick enough to be a wide edge rusher of the ball and not fast enough or have the bend to do so.
With a deep and very talented group, Jarvis Jenkins will essentially replace Leger Douzable who saw an adequate amount of playing time in Coach Bowles defense. At 28 years old, he is younger than Douzable as well. Jenkins will be joining a young and talented defensive line group alongside Wilkerson, Richardson, Williams, McLendon, and Simon. This will also raise his level of play considering he is playing with top players in his class. He will have an immediate impact when playing for the Jets, and will provide good inside pressure throughout the year due to his unbelievable pass game.