Saints Player Rankings: Offseason addition Malcolm Jenkins dubbed 14th best
By Terry Kimble
The prodigal son has returned as the Saints brought back Malcolm Jenkins who started his career with the Saints. It looks like he will end it there as well.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton knew letting Jenkins go was a mistake back in 2013.
Even as a rookie, Jenkins contributed greatly as the Saints won the franchise’s only Super Bowl back in 2010. The team has atoned for that mistake by signing him back this offseason. The Saints are hoping the veteran Jenkins can help lead the Saints to a 2nd Super Bowl victory.
Jenkins was initially drafted as a cornerback out of college back in 2009.
The former Ohio State standout’s versatility was something Coach Payton admired the most about Jenkins as he played multiple positions for the Saints early on. He was permanently moved to free safety at the start of the 2011 season.
Jenkins enjoyed some good seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles as he was 3-time Pro-Bowler and help lead them to a Super Bowl title in 2017.
Jenkins was also an iron man as he didn’t miss a game in his six seasons with the Eagles. The Saints are looking for Jenkins to bring some of this solid play and veteran leadership to a young Saints secondary.
Jenkins will be counted on to bring along the young safeties like Marcus Williams and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson as they enter their 4th and 2nd years respectively. Make no mistake about this, Jenkins isn’t being brought back just to mentor the youth.
The 32-year-old figures he still has a lot left in the tank and I’m sure he more than perturbed that he did not record an interception last season. This is only the second time in Jenkins’ 11-year career that he hasn’t recorded a pick in a season.
Jenkins’ ranking at 15 here makes sense. He isn’t the same player he was 5 or 10 years ago. He has however always been available, only missing 9 games in 11 years. He has been consistent, being a 3-time Pro-Bowler and an All-Pro player back in 2010.
Next. Top 30 players in New Orleans Saints’ history. dark
Above all, he has been a leader both on and off the field. Check back soon for who lands at number 13 on our list.