Rams Player Review: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins was drafted by St. Louis in the second round, with the 39th pick, of the 2012 NFL draft out of Florida. He was the second true freshman to start at cornerback for the university, but would eventually be kicked off the team in 2011 after being charged with possession of marijuana. This seems to be the epitome of his career. A remarkable talent, that can’t seem to get out of his own way. That hasn’t stopped him from getting off to nice start in the NFL.

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Jenkins had an immediate impact as a rookie for the Rams. He grabbed his first interception in week one against the Detroit Lions. Jenkins would total four interceptions on the year, including two he would return for touchdowns in week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. Adding another score and a fumble recovery touchdown, Jenkins would total four touchdowns on the year. Jenkins would set multiple NFL rookie records in 2012, and be awarded the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award by his teammates.

Jenkins would work through some growing pains in 2013, but played in 16 games for the first time. he would see a decrease in production posting only one interception and ten less tackles. He would also be kept out of the end zone for the entire year. Jenkins was starting to live up to his reputation as a ball hawk. He has great intuition and anticipation, but can be caught pinching. He was exposed in 2013.

Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) catches a warm up pass before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, his first as a starter, saw an increase in interception numbers with two, but more importantly a solid 124 return yards on those picks, including a career high 99 yard return. Jenkins is beginning to find his role in defensive coordinator Gregg William’s scheme. However, he has not been able to shake the aggressive ball hawk reputation. Jenkins is an immense talent that should begin to average fig or six picks per year and his always a threat to take one to the house, but needs to learn better self-control. He has been beaten on occasion when looking to create a big play. For each big play he creates, he gives up one on average.

Jenkins will be entering the final year of his rookie deal this year. His deal, a 4 year/$4.9M deal, will pay him a base salary of $660,000 in 2015. Jenkins has never earned more than $1M in a single season in base salary. His skill set, and personality, will certainly look for a substantial raise in 2016, but that all hinges on the production on the field in 2015.