Christian Wilkins

[*ochocincos*]

(Yesterday, 01:22 PM)XsandOs Wrote: Murphy was on IR when the season started due to his MCL injury in preseason. Affected his get off even after returning. Ossai and Hubbard got most of the edge snaps and Murphy was also moved inside on obvious passing downs. 

Also, the sophomore slump usually occurs with skill positions (QB, WR, CB, etc) - not D-line. D-line and O-line generally improve, as they adjust to physicality of the game. 

I agree that Hill and Slaton are the starters and will get most of the snaps. Both Jackson and Jenkins will take the next step, and I feel Jenkins will take the bigger leap for the reasons I stated in my first response to you. 

It may be that Jackson outshines Jenkins due to his pass rush repertoire, and I hope Bengals give him that opportunity, instead of just two-gap, zero tech responsibility.

But I am high on Jenkins.  

 

The biggest concern for me with Jenkins was lack of proven pass rush coming out of college.
Many scouting reports mentioned it could limit his role in the NFL.
From the snaps I watched (which may have been less than you), I saw a guy with power and motor, but not overly lateral and getting into the backfield too often when rushing the passer without a straight line to the QB.

I didn't see enough pass rush pressure from him last year to make me think he'll be around 4 sacks, 30+ total pressures, which is about my mark for a solid pass rushing IDL.
He did have 3 sacks but only 11 total pressures.
While I think there will be an improvement on the total pressures, I am not willing to bet we're going to >4 sacks or >25 total pressures.
I predict 3-4 sacks, ~20 total pressures in a year where he will grow some, but not explode onto the scene.
Depending on how he develops this year, I may be willing to project him >4 sacks and >25 total pressures in his 3rd season.

Maybe you have paid closer attention to him than I have though and you'll end up being right.