Jelani

Jenkins

The Raiders are in the hunt for a pair of starting inside linebackers after losing Malcolm Smith to the 49ers and with Perry Riley remaining a free agent. Jenkins profiles best on the weak side where he played with the Dolphins. He was Pro Football Focus’ No. 30-ranked 4-3 OLB out of 31 qualifiers in 2016.

Signed to a one-year deal with $100,000 guaranteed in March, Jenkins started the third preseason game and seemed to have a good shot to open the season in the starting lineup as well. His release suggests sixth-round sophomore Cory James has won a starting job.

Jenkins is coming off a miserable season in Miami, but he battled a nagging knee injury all year long and just turned 25. He’s worth a look as a reclamation project in Oakland. When healthy, Jenkins has flashed plus cover skills and can chase sideline to sideline. He’ll play weak-side linebacker or compete to replace Malcolm Smith inside depending on the formation.

A highly productive outside ‘backer for Florida, Jenkins excelled in coverage. He’s unlikely to see many snaps outside the Dolphins’ nickel package on defense, but could compete for a starting job as early as 2014. Jenkins has the ability to be an impact special teamer as a rookie.

Jenkins (6-0, 243) made 31 starts for UF, tallying 16.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three picks and one forced fumble. He played weak-side ‘backer in Florida’s 4-3, excelling in coverage. Unfortunately, Jenkins fractured his right foot in the 2012 regular season finale, and probably wasn’t 100 percent when he ran 4.78 at the Gators’ Pro Day. Assuming Jenkins is healthy by camp, he could put himself in the mix in the Dolphins’ nickel defense.

The Fins are set at linebacker with Dannell Ellerbe bookended by Koa Misi and Philip Wheeler, but Jenkins could replace Misi outside in 2014. Misi is entering a contract year. Jenkins battled injuries at UF, but was superb in pass coverage as a weak-side ‘backer. He will focus on special teams as a rookie.

“Finding a good cover linebacker is easier said than done, and he can do that,” said a Dolphins staffer. Jenkins was selected with the 104th pick in last April’s draft and played 127 defensive snaps as a rookie, stealing away 29 from WLB Philip Wheeler in Week 15. Wheeler has been mentioned as a possible cap casualty this offseason. Jenkins could be an in-house replacement.

The Fins also lost rotational DE Terrence Fede to a sprained MCL. Jenkins is coming off a 71-tackle season across 13 starts. He is regarded as Miami’s top coverage linebacker. The Dolphins’ defensive back seven is a total mess.

It’s surprising, as Jenkins went under the knife only 10 days ago. “I don’t want to jinx myself,” Gase said. “He’s on a good track right now.” Jenkins will be most missed in coverage if he can’t suit up against the Seahawks.

Jenkins is in the midst of a horrendous season, but it thins the Dolphins’ depth for a must-win game. Also inactive for the Dolphins are CB Byron Maxwell, WR Leonte Carroo, QB Ryan Tannehill, DB Jordan Lucas, TE Thomas Duarte and TE Dominique Jones.