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New York Giants: Can Jenkins be Defensive Player of the Year in 2017?

By Alexander Wilson

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) looks on in disbelief after getting called for pass interference in the first quarter of the game with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) looks on in disbelief after getting called for pass interference in the first quarter of the game with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Janoris “Jackrabbit” Jenkins made a statement last season and proved he is an elite cornerback in the NFL.

Janoris Jenkins signed a prolific deal with the New York Giants in 2016, proving that he deserves top cornerback money.

His contract includes $62.5 million over the span of 5-years, with a $10 million signing bonus and $28.8 million guaranteed, according to Spotrac.com. That’s a good chunk of change if you ask me.

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On the St. Louis Rams, Jenkins racked up 10 interceptions, five of which were taken for touchdowns and 49 passes defended over the course of four seasons.

Clearly, the man is a star and deserves every penny the Giants are dishing out to him.

Jenkins as Defensive-Player-of-the-Year

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) fumbles the ball late in the fourth quarter as New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) makes the hit at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) fumbles the ball late in the fourth quarter as New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) makes the hit at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2016, Jackrabbi” managed 49 tackles, one sack, 18 passes defended and three interceptions.

He also shut down one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Dez Bryant. The star corner held Bryant to a measly 18 receiving yards in two games. He also managed two interceptions against rookie phenom Dak Prescott.

Those are superstar statistics if I’ve ever seen them, and it can only gets better in 2017.

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Jenkins now likely has the support of Darian Thompson over the top at safety. Thompson suffered a season ending injury in Week 2.

He has the developing Eli Apple and forever reliable Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in support, and a boatload of confidence.

With a defensive line capable of wreaking havoc on any unfortunate quarterback, Jenkins is primed for a record-breaking season.

With an inexperienced secondary and chemistry-less defensive line in 2016, he managed to light up the league with a Pro Bowl performance.

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Last season, Jenkins and the defense spent a significant amount of time on the field, since the offense struggled to keep the ball for more than four plays.

Now, with the additions of Rhett Ellison, Evan Engram and D.J. Fluker, Big Blue has a few new toys to play with.

The plan is to keep the defense well rested on the bench, and the offense keeping the opposing defense on their heels.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will surely be enjoying his power house defense and will be utilizing his star players to stop opposing offenses in their tracks.

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