In a league built around skill players on both offense and defense, it’s often overlooked how games are still won in the trenches. Offensive linemen can truly make or break a team, and like special teamers, they are only usually noticed because of mistakes they make. This has led to fans being overly-critical of linemen who aren’t considered elite. Given its importance, the offensive line is the most underrated position in the sport, with one name standing above all in that sense. That guy is Elgton Jenkins of the Green Bay Packers. It is clear to see that Elgton Jenkins is the most underrated offensive lineman in the NFL.
Elgton Jenkins Flies Under the Radar
Versatility
Since initially entering the league as a guard, Jenkins hasn’t truly found his position on the line, but that is by no means because of him struggling to adjust. It’s quite the opposite in fact. He has already seen snaps at all five positions along the line.
Jenkins’ versatility is arguably his greatest strength along with his pass-blocking. Not only has he shown that he can play all five positions, but there isn’t any drop off in his elite production regardless of where along the line he is
Consistency
Having a versatile guy is all well and good but is somewhat meaningless if the player doesn’t have the talent to start at any position on the line. This is definitely not an issue faced by Jenkins. Due to having to protect for longer, on a team with a QB who likes to hold on to the ball and let the full play develop downfield, you would expect any member of the line to give up a reasonably high number of sacks. Elgton Jenkins has shown himself to be a good pass blocker. Since entering the league, he has undoubtedly been one of the very best pass blockers in the entire NFL. Jenkins went his entire rookie season without letting up a single sack despite pass blocking on 571 snaps during the season.
This elite pass blocking ability has carried over into the 2020 season, as he has given up just one sack on his 561 pass-blocking snaps in 2020.
Why is Elgton Jenkins not considered elite?
In his so far short career, Jenkins has shown time and time again why his name should be included in the conversation of Pro Bowl and All-Pro contenders. So, why does he not get the credit he deserves? There are three reasons.
Being in just his sophomore year in the NFL and on the same line as All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari, it has been difficult for Jenkins to break out as the leader on a strong offensive line for the Packers. Second, Jenkins hasn’t yet gotten the elite label because of his biggest on-field issue. He is currently tied for sixth-most penalties committed by a guard this season; this coming after finishing tied for fourth-most penalties in his rookie season. Finally, while his pass blocking is clearly elite, he still has a way to go in the run-blocking department, where PFF has him ranked only 51st amongst guards in that department compared to his somewhat low 13th rank as a pass-blocking guard.
All this being said, it must remembered that Jenkins is only in his second year and should he continue to develop at his current rate, there is no doubt he will end up as an all time great in one of the hardest positions to shine in. Until then, we will just have to be content with the fact that Elgton Jenkins is the most underrated offensive lineman in the NFL.
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