Jets' Todd Bowles says former UGA OLB Jordan Jenkins is 'everything we expected'

Prior to the NFL draft, Jordan Jenkins was hopeful the New York Jets would select him.

He gushed over head coach Todd Bowles and how much of a fit he could be in the Jets’ system. The draft ended up going perfect for both parties. While Jenkins slipped to the end of the third round, the NFL franchise that showed the most interest selected him with the 83rd overall pick.

And through the Jets’ organized team activities and mini-camp, Jenkins has proven to Bowles why he thought so highly of him in the draft process.

“Right now he’s everything we expected,” Bowles said. “He’s a little more mature in learning the system. He understands the system a little more because he came from a similar system. We’re just looking forward to him doing the same thing in pads.”

Bowles spoke about Jenkins prior to the start of Arians’ Georgia Celebrity Golf Classic at the Great Waters Golf Course. Jenkins was a standout for Georgia the past four years as a pass-rusher. He recorded 59 tackles and four sacks during his senior season in 2015.

Bowles believes Jenkins playing in a 3-4 defense at Georgia helped him transition to the next level, which led to Jenkins receiving some first-team reps as a rookie in practice. Bowles also said Jenkins was aided by staying at Georgia for all four years instead of declaring after his junior year. 

“Mentally, I think it helps a lot. I think if you come out very early it’s a problem,” Bowles said. “He’s been there for four years in college, went through the system and will doing the right thing. To come out and attack the way he has shows how great he is.”

Jenkins does appear in good competitive shape for a starting spot in New York, with Lorenzo Mauldin, Trevor Riley and Deion Barnes also in the mix.

So far, Bowles is pleased with what he’s seen in his franchise’s third-round draft pick.

“I love the guy as a person,” Bowles said. “He has great character. His work ethic is great. I look forward to him helping us a lot.”

This story was originally published July 7, 2016 at 12:36 PM with the headline "Jets' Todd Bowles says former UGA OLB Jordan Jenkins is 'everything we expected'."