Saints Who Need to Play Well in 2016 to Be Back in 2017

JOHN JENKINS, DEFENSIVE / NOSE TACKLE

Aug 30, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints nose tackle John Jenkins (92) against the Houston Texans during the first half of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive tackle John Jenkins is someone who is facing both of those with a stacked position going into camp headlined by 2016 first round pick Sheldon Rankins; as well as others looking for increased snaps like Tyeler Davison, veteran Nick Fairley, and one of Rankins’ draft-mates: Canadian college star David Onyemata.

Jenkins is someone the Saints had hoped could be a huge force in the middle; but he really hasn’t had what you’d consider a huge impact after he was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

He’s dealt with some injuries and while he had a career high 49 total tackles in 2015, his pass rush potential isn’t off the charts; and he’ s only had 1.5 sacks in three years — the very same amount that Davison managed to get last year as a rookie.

If Jenkins wants to return to the Saints or even gain a decent contract with another team next year, he’ll need to “ramp up” his performance up in 2016.

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