Raiders vs. Rams Joint Practice: DT Jenkins

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins spoke after the team's joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--The Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of the fourth week of the 2023 National Football League Training Camp, and defensive tackle John Jenkins addressed the media.

We have all of his comments for you to watch below, as well as the entire transcript for you to read:

 Defensive Tackle John Jenkins 

Q: You got a fumble that if you would've run it back, it would have been a touchdown. But I think you looked over and said: "I'm not Davante so, I'm going to take a rest right here." 

Jenkins: "Hey, listen, I was living a big man dream. That was a big man dream, and I would have run that back. I would run that back." 

Q: In a game? Jenkins: 

"Oh, yeah definitely. Without a doubt." 

Q: How would you assess the defensive performance today going up against the Rams? 

Jenkins: "I mean, every day we've been trying to get better. Everybody's mindset is working on their technique, trying to be harder on themselves and trying to hold everybody accountable, including myself. I'm trying to find my part on this team and just do whatever is required of me to do." 

Q: When you look at this defensive line room, it feels like a nice blend of veterans and a lot of youth as well. What do you see from this group? 

Jenkins: "Oh man, hungry, hungry individuals. Bilal Nichols, I remember when he came in from University of Delaware, watching him grow. Adam Butler, we were in Miami together. So, I already had a relationship with those two guys already. And then coming in Maxx [Crosby], Matt [Matthew Butler], Neil [Farrell], Malcolm [Koonce], everybody's growing man, Jerry [Tillery]. It's a beautiful thing to see a cohesive group, and everybody is just finding their niche and getting better." 

Q: I know Tyree's [Wilson] just kind of getting his feet wet. But when you look at that guy, he looks like an NFL player like right now. What are your impressions of the rookie? 

Jenkins: "I mean, you can't teach size, right? So, for him to be able to do what he's doing now and just watching a little glimpse of potential, it's a beautiful thing. Now, he just needs to build the confidence and I'm glad to have him on the team." 

Q: I heard a few guys yesterday say that they weren't really pleased with how practice went. Did any of the veterans step up and say anything to try to get them prepared for the next day? 

Jenkins: "I mean, we're not perfect, but this is the opportunity for us to get better. We're in training camp for a reason, right? And when you're in training camp, you're just trying to work hard at your craft and do what you need to do. So, everybody's entitled to their opinion, but all that is constructive criticism and a way to hold each other accountable, and hold themselves accountable so we can get better. That's all that it is." 

Q: You and I have talked before about a lot of rookies and sophomores on the defensive line here. How do you think these young guys are relating to you and your teaching? 

Jenkins: "I mean, if you're talking about them, that means they're doing good. So, I'll just leave it at that, man. These guys, they're humble. You see guys coming out early, early, early, working on their craft every day before we even get ready to stretch. So, that shows a lot man, a lot of maturity, a lot of guys who want to get better. And I'm going to keep saying it everybody wants to get better because that's all y'all see out here. It's guys coming out early and working on their craft." 

The Silver and Black return to preseason action when they play the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 9 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. PDT.

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