Raiders Free Agents: DT John Jenkins

The Las Vegas Raiders defense played admirably this season for many reasons. Their defensive line and veterans such as John Jenkins were a major reason.

The Las Vegas Raiders performed well on defense nearly the entire season. 

The Silver and Black's depth chart on defense, specifically on the line, boasts depth and veteran experience not seen on many teams in the National Football League. 

This led to the Raiders having one of the best defenses in the league this season and one of the best defenses they have had in recent memory. 

Las Vegas' previous coaching staff didn't do everything right, but  successfully used free agency and the draft to bolster what was once a weakness, and changed it into the team's strength this season. 

Veteran defensive tackle John Jenkins joined the Raiders last offseason after spending his previous five seasons with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, respectively. 

After joining Las Vegas, Jenkins had the best season of his career. Fortunately for the Raiders, he did so while on what has to be considered a team-friendly deal. 

The Las Vegas Raiders have a stout interior defensive line. Veteran defensive lineman John Jenkins is a reason why

Jenkins was signed to a one-year deal worth a little more than $1.3 million. Jenkins would record the most total tackles, the most solo tackles, and the first touchdown of his career.

The 6-3, 327-pound Jenkins made 61 tackles this season, behind only All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby among Raiders' linemen. The next closest defensive lineman to Jenkins in total tackles funished with 13 fewer stops. 

Jenkins finished the season with more tackles and better overall production than the defensive tackle listed in front of him on the depth chart and did so on a much more affordable contract than that player. 

Like most interior defensive linemen, much more of Jenkins' production doesn't appear on a stat sheet, thus making him a valuable piece for the Raiders moving forward. 

The Raiders have many things to figure out over the next few weeks, including if Interim Coach Antonio Pierce who will be their permanent head coach. 

Regardless of who they choose, bringing back Jenkins would bode well for an improved defense coming off an impressive season.

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