Green Bay Packers rookie offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins has been one of the NFL’s best pass protectors through two weeks of the preseason.
In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins has the top pass-blocking grade in the NFL among offensive linemen with at least 40 snaps, and he’s yet to allow a single pressure over 45 total pass-blocking snaps.
The rookie has played snaps at left guard, center and right guard and hasn’t been beat in the passing game.
Two preseason games isn’t a big enough sample size to make any grand claims about Jenkins’ future, but his early success does suggest a foundation of talent that could give the rookie a chance to play right away in 2019.
Jenkins is currently competing to be the starting left guard, and he already looks locked in as the top backup at right guard. During situations when right tackle Bryan Bulaga has rested, Billy Turner has moved out to right tackle while Jenkins has taken over at right guard.
He’s also an option to be the backup center behind Corey Linsley.
His versatility and pass-protecting ability help highlight why the Packers made him the 44th overall pick.
“I think he’ll play in this league for a long time,” coach Matt LaFleur said after the Packers’ win over the Houston Texans in the preseason opener. “I love his demeanor, I love the way he goes about his business. I thought he did a really good job in protection the other night. Still a lot of things to clean up and work on, but I think the future is bright for him.”
The Packers will likely give Jenkins many more snaps in games against the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs to end the preseason. If he continues to keep a clean sheet in the passing game, LaFleur and the Packers might have to consider plugging him in as a starter for Week 1 in Chicago.
