Jelani Jenkins Is Developing into Unheralded Star for Dolphins Defense

In the NFL, the only constant is change. Whether that change comes in the form of roster turnover or coaching staff adjustments, there is always hope that the change will net a positive impact.

At the beginning of the season, the idea that the Miami Dolphins’ linebacker corps would be vastly improved seemed insane. After all, Miami failed to add a significant talent through the draft or free agency and returned all three starters from 2013.

The cost for Miami to find its most surprising contributor this season was to lose Dannell Ellerbe to a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 against the New England Patriots.

As their Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers approaches, the Dolphins have a much-improved, more effective group of linebackers than in 2013.

Without a doubt, the play of Jelani Jenkins in his second season has brightened the outlook of the position. In his rookie year, he only played 127 snaps (subscription required). His limited time showed how good of a natural athlete he is, as well as his comfort while in coverage.

With starters Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler struggling, figuring out why Jenkins didn’t earn snaps was baffling.

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But with his early play in his 235 snaps (subscription required) this season, Jenkins has made it clear that he is deserving of the starting role for the foreseeable future.

With his 38 total tackles through four games, Jenkins has been a much-needed help tackler in space. Although he won’t be confused with tackling machines like Luke Kuechly or Lavonte David, Jenkins is reliable, which is a stark contrast to last season’s weak-side linebacker in Wheeler.

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The presence of Jenkins has allowed Wheeler to move back to his natural strong-side position. The strong-side linebacker position pits Wheeler at the line of scrimmage, where he can engage the tight end or right tackle and set the edge for run plays.

There is less emphasis on diagnosis and more emphasis on just playing and beating his blocker.

So far, the position change has helped Miami tremendously. Wheeler ranks fifth in Pro Football Focus' (subscription required) 4-3 outside linebacker rankings this season with a 6.0 grade. In 2013, Wheeler ranked dead last at outside linebacker with a minus-19.5 grade (subscription required).

With less space to worry about, Wheeler’s missed tackles have dropped from 18 to zero, and he’s only been targeted seven times (subscription required) in coverage.

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Jenkins’ effectiveness has clearly benefited Wheeler, but he’s been an unheralded star to this point in his own right.

As PFF’s (subscription required) No. 2-ranked outside linebacker, Jenkins is showing great awareness on run plays. He’s often found meeting the ball-carrier to clean up tackles, and his 28 solo tackles are nothing to scoff at either.

With a dominant defensive line in front of the linebackers, having a capable linebacker that recognizes plays quickly and has the athletic ability to stop ball-carriers in the backfield is a must.

In coverage, Jenkins has been a major asset. He doesn’t have great size at 6’0”, but he’s fluid in his movements, which is more common in smaller players. His hips are able to turn smoothly to cover tight ends and running backs, and there’s no other linebacker that has played a snap for Miami this season with similar traits.

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Miami’s defensive scheme doesn’t ask for linebackers to do much in coverage, but there are times when they will be in one-on-one with a running back in space.

Wheeler and Ellerbe were terrible in such situations last year, as the duo combined for 32 missed tackles (subscription required). Jenkins has consistently shown the ability to smother the leaking running back or tight ends.

As the Dolphins have improved their defensive rank from 21st in 2013 to seventh this season, a good amount of credit needs to go to the emergence of Jenkins. He may be one of the most improved players, and as a fourth-round pick in 2013, has provided great value to a roster lacking depth.

If Jenkins can continue his ascension and high-level play, he can be a solid building block moving into the next decade.

For an organization that’s been plagued by mediocrity, Jenkins represents hope that the future will be brighter.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' premium stats (subscription required) or Sports-Reference.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor to Optimum Scouting and analyst for FinDepth.

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