SmashMouth

http://tribeca.vidavee.com/advance/d...ryChannel=play


And he's looking good as a Free safety ...

Malcolm Jenkins providing competition for Darren Sharper as New Orleans Saints' starting safety | NOLA.com

Darren Sharper was in shorts.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune
New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins brings down receiver Devery Henderson during the team's training camp practice Friday afternoon in Metairie.
Malcolm Jenkins was in the starting lineup.
And Gregg Williams was in his element.
There are few things the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator likes more than a competitive position battle at training camp. He has one at free safety.
It might shock folks to think Sharper, an All-Pro coming off a career season, would have to fight for his starting spot, especially against an unproven second-year pro in his first year at the position.
But it could happen. And not just because Sharper is still trying to recover from offseason surgery on his 34-year-old left knee. Jenkins is playing that well -- so well that Williams insists the Saints could start the season with the second-year ballhawk at free safety and not miss a beat.
"He's special," Williams said.
Jenkins has been one of the stars of the Saints' offseason. He's playing like he has been at safety his entire life, not just six months. He's playing like he's not just going to settle for an internship this season.
He made the highlight play of the morning workout, a torpedo tackle of Lance Moore that cartwheeled the diminutive receiver high into the air and planted him on his head. It was the kind of hit safeties are paid to make. It showed Jenkins is making the transition from cornerback a seamless one.
"I'm feeling more comfortable every day," Jenkins said.

Ted Jackson/The Times-Picayune
When Patrick Robinson, top, breaking up a pass, was chosen in the first round of the NFL draft in April, Malcolm Jenkins’ days as a cornerback were effectively over. Robinson is listed as No. 5 on the depth chart but eventually will ascend the latter.
Jenkins showed plenty of talent in his rookie season. He was on his way to winning the nickel back job before an ankle injury in Week 3 derailed his progress. Later, a hamstring injury sidetracked him again.
But when Jenkins was healthy, he shined. His performance in the Super Bowl was overshadowed by the heroics of Drew Brees and Tracy Porter, but Jenkins made a handful of big-time plays in the second half. Thrust into the cornerback rotation because of an injury to Randall Gay, he responded with four tackles and a pass breakup.
His performance vaulted him into the always-critical sophomore season on a positive note. A player's second pro season is usually the year he makes the most progress. Jenkins is trending that way.
He said he reported to camp at 196 pounds, down about nine from his playing weight at cornerback last season. He said he expects to be close to 200 for the regular season.
He is working exclusively at safety. His days as a cornerback ended the moment the Saints selected Patrick Robinson in the first round of the NFL draft in April.
Robinson is the No. 5 cornerback on the depth chart but eventually will ascend the ladder. The Saints didn't draft him in the first round to play special teams. He'll be in the regular rotation sooner rather than later.
So, too, will Jenkins. When the Saints made him the franchise's highest-selected defensive back in 13 years last year, they did so with the eventual position switch in mind. Now he's there -- and making an impact every day.
To Sharper's credit, the competition hasn't become personal. Jenkins said the two remain good friends and teammates. Jenkins considers Sharper, a 14-year-veteran, a mentor and soaks up every word he utters.
"He's teaching me everything he knows," Jenkins said. "He usually tells me things before I have to ask. I couldn't have a better guy to learn from."
Trouble is, this gridiron version of Grasshopper might be surpassing his Master Po in the process. Long considered the heir apparent to Sharper's spot, this truly could be Jenkins' time just as the Saints consider this season "Our Time." The heir just might be apparent sooner than expected.
"Entitlement is not a part of the National Football League," Williams said. "You have to re-prove yourself every year in this league. And the best thing for Darren Sharper's rehab is to see Malcolm Jenkins play so well every day."
Williams knows how to push buttons. He was a psychology major in college, and clearly he's using every bit of his education on Sharper, whose nine interceptions and three touchdowns led the Saints' defense a season ago. Obviously, Williams is trying to light a fire under the guy he considers the quarterback of his secondary.
"I coach with a chip on my shoulder, and I want my players to play with a chip on their shoulders," Williams said. "Darren Sharper had a chip on his shoulder last year. He wanted to prove me wrong, Mickey Loomis wrong and the Minnesota Vikings wrong, and he did.
"Now is he going to have that chip on his shoulder this year?" Williams added. "If he has a chip on his shoulder, his knee will be fine. And if he doesn't have a chip on his shoulder, he'll be competing with you guys in the media business."
If and when Sharper does become an NFL analyst, he'll likely be talking a lot about Malcolm Jenkins.

Danno

Excellent...

SS-Harper, Preiloux, Vaughn, Young
FS-Sharper, Jenkins, Young, Vaughn

I think we have a very bright future in the secondary.

ScottF

been awhile (ever) since we were this stacked at DB.
-we got Sharper back on our terms for 1 or 2 years, as needed
-Harper has been criticized a lot, but is consistent
-a healthy Jenkins is a great problem to have
-Vaughn was really pissed he got IR'ed last year, so he'll have a 'chip' on his shoulder coming back, ha ha

the Prioleau/Reis/Young battle is going to come down to whose better on special teams, because they won't see the field even in dime or quarter: Jenkins, Gay, and Robinson will win those jobs.


Hmmm... Gay, Hamilton and a second for Ray Rice

jeanpierre

We were never this deep in the secondary...never...

Now if we could just keep adding some impact defensive lineman...

QBREES9

Jenkins is playing that well -- so well that Williams insists the Saints could start the season with the second-year ballhawk at free safety and not miss a beat.
"He's special," Williams said.

But lets see him do it a game. !!! Were talking about Practice, Not a game not a game, Practice Not a game, Practice.

breesfan27

Glad to hear that Jenkins is working hard. He will be a valuable replacement for D Sharp when he decides to hang up the pads.

*squeal* I am soo fricken pumped for the start of football season!

Sir Psycho Sexy

In due time, Mr. Iverson

hagan714

jenkins will be fine at fs. no doubt! the kid has pro bowl talent for the position.

SS? well we will see. would love to have some hands there.

CB looks good but they drop like flies during the season. that normal. we need one diamond in the rough to step up if we have two or more CB down at the same time.

and yes it does look very good in the secondary. hmmm i do not think i have ever said that in 44 years

Saint_LB

You probably have...you just weren't talking about the Saints...