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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

Luda34

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.

jeanpierre

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...

TheOak

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

AllSaints

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

rezburna

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.

jeanpierre

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

Danno

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.

Beastmode

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.

dizzle88

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