This article is going to be short, but to the point. Elgton Jenkins is criminally underrated and we need to talk about it. Jenkins entering his 3rd year out of Mississippi State, is listed at 6-5, 311.
Versatility
While Jenkins usual spot is at Left Guard, he has been extremely valuable filling in all across the line. Both Corey Linsley, and David Bakhtiari went down at points in the 2020 season. Both players have been awarded First Team All-Pro and when E.J. filled in, you wouldn’t notice a difference. Last season he played 1037 snaps which was 14th best in the league last year. Last season moving to 4 of 5 Offensive Line positions throughout the year he gave up only 14 pressures.
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The Proof Is In The Pudding
Let’s talk about how good Elgton really has been. First off, I’d be hard pressed to find a QB that holds the ball longer than Aaron Rodgers. Without a great offensive line to give Rodgers time, those magical plays we all love, don’t happen. Rodgers was sacked only 20 times last season, that was the best sack percentage overall last season. Remember Bakh and Linsley both missed time last season, and as I stated before E.J. filled in for both of them.
Watch Elgton Jenkins👀 #BigE pic.twitter.com/txDn30A9rl
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) June 22, 2021
With all the shuffling around E.J. has been asked to do, he’s only given up one sack so far in his 2 years protecting Aaron. But the most impressive stat is during the 2020 playoffs when the Packers played the Rams, Elgton shut down Aaron Donald. The unanimous number one player in almost every list could not get past Elgton Jenkins. Aaron Donald finished the game with 1 assisted tackle. He was a non factor.
He Will Only Get Better
It is to be determined if David Bakhtiari will start the season after suffering an ACL injury. During OTA’s Elgton took first team snaps at left tackle. In fact Packers Offensive Line Coach Adam Stenavich believes he can be very very good at Tackle even if that’s not his primary position. Veratility amongst the Offensive Line is huge.
Elgton earned a Pro Bowl in his second year, but he is rarely talked about when discussing the top tier Offensive Linemen. In 2 short years he has certainly earned the respect and expect to see his name talked about a lot more. I expect to be calling Elgton Jenkins a First Team All-Pro very soon. The Packers have invested a lot into their offensive line. I’ve long said it’s the second most important position behind Quarterback. A great offensive line will only help E.J. in the future.
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