Should the Bolts go after Mike Jenkins?
By BoogaP
Sep 11, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson (left) runs against Dallas Cowboys defensive back Mike Jenkins (right) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE
Mike Jenkins, currently a cornerback for Dallas, is not expected to be attend OTA’s when they begin today for the Cowboys. It is believed that he is wanting to be traded per various sources, namely espn.com. It seems obvious that Jenkins is hoping for a trade due to the free agent acquisition of Brandon Carr and the drafting of Morris Claiborne out of LSU.
Although I think very highly of the youth that we currently have at the CB position, Marcus Gilcrhist and Shareece Wright, I think it would be a great idea to ship either a fifth or sixth round conditional pick to Dallas for the distraught Jenkins.
As I stated, I like our young CBs but I am not sure that even a full offseason will thrust them into being NFL starter ready. Couple that with knowing that one of my favorite Chargers, Quentin Jammer, is slowing down and will be in the last year of his contract, has me thinking that it would be a wise move to go ahead and make a deal for Jenkins. This is a big year for former first round draft choice Antoine Cason. He must play better than he did in 2011 or there is a chance that he will not be re-signed when his contract is up.
I do have to admit, in regard to our CB play, that having even a small fraction of a pass rush would have helped our CBs tremendously. Our pass rush was dismal at best. Although Antwan Barnes had a career year with 11 sacks, he was the only Bolts defender to post more than four in 2011.
The 5’10 202 lb CB out of the University of South Florida is 27 years old and played in the ProBowl as an alternate in 2010. He was an injury replacement for Antoine Winfield.
Jenkins was drafted with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. At the combine that year he ran a 4.38 40-yd dash.
Although Jenkins missed all of 2011 after suffering a neck stinger in training camp, I think a change of scenery is exactly what this young man needs. He is good in the Nickel CB position and I am a believer in having as many quality secondary players as possible. This is a passing league now and it is crucial that you have the guys to cover all the spread, four-wide, and even double TE passing sets.
I am not sure if Jenkins would be considered your protypical “A.J. kinda guy”, but it is my opinion that we should take a flyer on him.
Thanks a lot for reading.
BoltUp!!!
BoogaP
P.S. Only 106 days until the season opener of 2012….that sure sounds like forever right now!