|Mitch|

20. John Jenkins, NT, New Orleans Saints

Nose tackles aren’t known for piling up statistics, and Saints rookie John Jenkins is unlikely to become an exception. That said, the third-round pick has looked thus far to be an answer to the team’s need for a nose tackle to anchor its three-man front.

The athletic 346-pounder has recorded seven total tackles in three games—a solid number for a nose tackle.

Jenkins did not record any quarterback hurries in Week 3, according to PFF, but his ability to provide a solid presence in the middle on all three downs makes him very valuable in the Saints’ new defensive scheme.

9. Kenny Vaccaro, SS, New Orleans Saints

The Saints continued to see immediate results from first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro versus the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Vaccaro recorded his first career interception, which he returned 29 yards, and had seven total tackles in New Orleans’ 31-7 victory.

Vaccaro has played every Saints defensive snap through three weeks and has lined up all over the field on the back end of new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme. He has been a very active defender, recording 17 tackles through three weeks. He hasn't given up any plays longer than 16 yards in pass coverage.

The Saints defense has made immediate progress this season with Ryan leading the way. And one reason for that progress has been Vaccaro, who has stepped in impressively for a rookie to an every-down, impact-player role.

NFL Rookie Top 25 Rankings for Week 4 | Bleacher Report

SmashMouth

Jenkins' value in the middle is very underrated...

Jack Vegas

I like Jenkins, but IMO right now we would be better off with Bunkley in there taking the starter's share of snaps.

I wouldn't expect a Bleacher Report story to notice this but we are playing significantly more 4-man lines than 3-man. Big reason for that is Jenkins cannot play all the snaps and without him we have no true nose, so we end up with Jordan and Walker/Hicks/Richardson playing on the inside. Otherwise we would be getting no push.

When Bunkley gets back in a couple weeks, watch that run defense will get even better because they won't have to commit an extra man to the line.

TheOak

thebdj

Umm, this may have just become my new favourite Meme!

Bloody Brilliant!

Barry from MS

FYI...Bleacher Report graded our 3rd round pick of Jenkins as a "D".

TheOak

Bleacher Report's accuracy is as renown as the accuracy of power rankings.

Jack Vegas

I grade Bleacher Report as a "D". It's almost as worthless as the 5 p.m. Sportscenter.

RaginCajun83

"The biggest play of the week by a rookie may have been made by Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter, who caught a game-winning 34-yard touchdown pass to beat the San Diego Chargers. Hunter, however, has not yet made his case for our ranking, as that was his first catch of the season."

Say what?

triman

I was thrilled when we traded to acquire the 3rd rd pick to pick Jenkins. As I have said many times you win with the big uglies up front. God did not make a lot of men who are 350 pounds and can run . Jenkins is going to be a key defensive piece for years. You have to feel good about our young DL.