New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

It's 541 miles from Athens, Ga., to New Orleans, but for a NFL rookie, the journey from college to the pros can seem like a world apart.

While playing the same position in the same defensive scheme may make things simpler for Saints third-round draft pick John Jenkins, the transition from life as a college defensive lineman to that of the professional ranks doesn't lack obstacles.

"I mean, it's a big step, college into the professional world," Jenkins said. "But the (other defensive linemen) are helping me out a lot. I can't ask for a better group of guys.

"The guys are really showing me the ropes, showing me how to do things, work with me on and off the field."

Jenkins is familiar with the 3-4 alignment new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is implementing. He spent the two previous years as a nose guard at Georgia. Saints coach Sean Payton said the team's interview with Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham for its then-vacant coordinator job aided in the overall decision to draft Jenkins.

The potential is there, but there's also the reality of patience at a position where rookies usually don't make immediate impacts.

Read more: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL | NOLA.com

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

This is one of the guys I really want to see what he can do. I hope he can take the NT job and have Jordan and Hicks on the end. If that happen were going to have a good line for years to come.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Good Catch, Papz...

Make no mistake - there's more riding on this guy than just two draft picks it took to get him...

He needs to keep his proverbial schtuff wired tight, and bring his lunch pal everyday for his career - but this guy can make what he wants of his career and the sooner he truly realizes that the quicker those two draft picks will have paid off...

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Yeppers. He was drafted to start, and hopefully he will make a huge impact.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Hope he isn't another sully r Ellis ! Big potential lets see what he brings this year

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I'm interested to see the different rotations on D. It seems like we've got a lot of depth. Bunkley, Jenkins, and Hicks (who can also play DE) at NT. I like it.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

You're right - we eliminate the need for one down lineman and now we have plenty of depth...classic!

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I'm not so sure he was drafted to start from day one. DT's usually don't impress right away.

I think he'll contribute in a rotation, but I think 2014 is the year he opens up a can on everyone.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I hope he can contribute but he really needs to drop weight to be effective. Right now he's just a big body that RB's have to maneuver around. He won't be collapsing pockets from what I've seen.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

If he can make the same kind of impact akiem hicks did last year ill be happy

I still remember the first time i properly noticed hicks, when he picked willis mcgahee up and slammed him to the turf causing the fumble

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Not necessarily. Vince Wilfork 2.0

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

What have you seen?

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

X2

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I thought he was drafter to play NT.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Same tape as everyone else. If that's his best it won't cut it in the NFL. The article even states the DL coach commenting the guy is at 101 level.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Out here in Denver Donkeyland, we don't get to see anything if it doesn't have Elway's or Peyton Manning's picture in it somewhere.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

We shall see what can be coached out of him..... Or into him

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Thanks Oak. Didn't see him being double teamed all that much. Looks like there's a lack in the desire department. Hopefully he'll want it more in the big leagues.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Can't be worse than sedrick ellis, considering the pick we got him for

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

He will do okay his first year. We seem to forget that Bunkley was a stud as 34 NT with DEN. Our line is already in great shape. Think about our GL situations with the big men we have now. In my opinion our D-line is the least of concerns this season, I expect big things from Jordan and Hicks.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I know I did

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

He was projected as a 1st rounder in most mock drafts. He had really dominant moments in the SEC. He'll end up being considered a steal. I think our draft might produce several gems. I have a good feeling about everybody, even Kenny Stills.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Good luck John make Ct proud !

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

I haven't seen him play yet, but I did see some high lights and wasn't impressed. He seems lethargic and doesn't seem to move well. I am holding off making any determinations until I see him live at TC.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

But in his defense, I rarely see 350# DT's move well.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Wasn't he closer to 400 when playing at Georgia? He dropped like 45 lbs. for the combine, hopefully he keeps his weight at an acceptable level...

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Yep, he isn't going to start from day one and that's unrealistic to think that. It'll be Bunkley at NT to start. Hopefully mid way though the season Jenkins is coming along nicely and is a big part of this defense, But I wouldn't bet on it. 2014 is when I'm expecting big things from Jenkins.

Re: New Orleans Saints' rookie John Jenkins transitioning to NFL
 

Any time you look at a nose tackle on tape and focus on him you're going to think he's not working hard sometimes. But those guys aren't always supposed to be rushing the passer. Most of the time they're just supposed to take up the guard and center and if they don't get a big push right away they back off and try to knock down a pass.

I've seen plenty of highlights of Jenkins where he slides down the line or gets back to make a tackle. Not worried about his drive at all. Besides, he's not a starter. That's Bunkley's job.