Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Rookies to watch

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 22: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with Elgton Jenkins #74, and Danny Vitale #45 after his touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field on September 22, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

Elgton Jenkins, OL

Elgton Jenkins was one of the top offensive line prospects heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, largely due to his versatility. In his time at Mississippi State, Jenkins started games at four of the five offensive line positions, settling in as the team’s starting center his junior and senior seasons. For the Packers, Jenkins has to revert back to his sophomore season, as he is now serving as the team’s starting left guard.

In week three, Jenkins made his first career NFL start at left guard, and played every offensive snap for Green Bay. Lane Taylor started the first two games for the Pack, but is now on the IR due to a biceps injury, opening the door for Jenkins to enter the starting lineup.

The Eagles front four has endured a couple key injuries of their own, that could make life a bit easier for Jenkins. In their first three games, the Eagles lost two key defensive tackles. Malik Jackson is now on the IR, and Timmy Jernigan has been ruled out for tonight’s game. That leaves just Hassan Ridgeway and Akeem Spence to play inside alongside All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who doesn’t make anything easy on anyone opposite of him.

But with Fletch being the only real viable source of inside pressure the Green Bay offensive line has to deal with, they can afford to double team him and make the other guy beat them one-on-one. Without that pressure up the middle, the Eagles have been unable to get to the quarterback consistently, recording just two sacks on the season, one by a blitzing safety, and one by Jernigan who is out.

Jenkins should be able to handle helping on a double team of Cox with center Corey Linsley, or be able to take on the other defensive tackle mano a mano. He will look to play a clean game, avoid penalties, and not make any glaring mistakes in his second game as a starter. He should be able to help keep Aaron Rodgers protected and open holes for Aaron Jones to run through against this struggling Eagles defense tonight on Thursday Night Football.

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