Kansas City Chiefs Player Profile: A.J. Jenkins

By Josh Michaels | May 21, 2014

Arguably the most intriguing player on the Kansas City Chiefs roster in 2014, A.J. Jenkins has high praises from his coaches, and some expectations from the fans.

The Chiefs decided not to take a receiver in the 2014 NFL draft, mostly because they’re comfortable with the talent they have in house. In his pre-draft press conference, John Dorsey mentioned how deep of a receiving class this draft was but, decided not to pull the trigger when viable options were available.

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With that comes a certain expectation that will be put on the progression of guys like Bowe, Avery, Dressler, and Jenkins. Today, I wanted to focus on A.J. Jenkins as our player profile. I think most of us will be keeping a close eye on this guy once training camp rolls around, so lets get to know him.

(Stats via NFL.com)

First, How Did He Get Here?:

Jenkins entered the NFL by way of the San Francisco 49’ers. He was selected 30th overall in the 2012 NFL draft out of the University Of Illinois and obviously didn’t stay in the bay area very long.

A.J. was healthy entering his rookie season, but struggled to find playing time. He was only active for three of the 16 regular season games and saw a total of 37 offensive snaps. He was targeted only one time of those 37 snaps and he dropped it… I’m sure that didn’t help.

Enter 2013, Jenkins was on the brink of being cut and Kansas City was dealing with their own struggling first round wide out, Jonathon Baldwin. The 49’ers traveled to Kansas City in the preseason and Baldwin had a series of drops that proved to be his final straw in KC. Later, news broke that the Chiefs and Niners had swapped the two receivers in a disappointment trade.

A Look At His 2013 Stats:

Jenkins was active all 16 games but, only had one start (@San Diego, Wk 17). He finished the season with just 8 receptions for 130 yards and zero touchdowns. Granted, he joined the team very late in the preseason so there is some slack to give.

A.J. saved his best for his only start.

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (15) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Reid decided to rest his starters during week 17 against the Chargers. Jenkins was given his opportunity and he showed up, catching three passes for 67 yards. Chase Daniel connected with Jenkins on a beautiful, 48 yard bomb up the sideline in which Jenkins burned the Chargers secondary. In that play, he showed his ability to stretch the field with his track speed, a quality that he used well in college.

Jenkins also came through in the clutch against Denver in week 13. On 3rd-and-14, pinned deep in their own endzone and down one score, Alex Smith heaved up a pass to A.J. Jenkins in which he climbed the ladder (which you can see in the picture above) and made the play. It kept the drive alive and would’ve been potentially the game turning play had the Chiefs been able to finish.

Conclusion:

Jenkins is an acceptional talent who still has a lot to prove in the NFL. He’s only entering the third season of his young career and Andy Reid seems to love what the kid brings to the table.

The Chiefs brass believe in grooming in house talent and perhaps a full off season in this system will do wonders for his production in 2014. Many speculate that he will really challenge Donnie Avery this year for that number 2 spot, opposite Dwayne Bowe.

If Jenkins does pan out, it would be one of the best moves John Dorsey has made. Baldwin continued his struggles in San Fran, granted he was in the same situation as Jenkins. Only time will tell on how this all worked out.

Personally, I’m pretty high on this kid as well. He proved that when given his opportunities, he stepped up and made the plays he needed to make. 2014 could be a special season for A.J. Jenkins.

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