WR Michael Jenkins (All B1G, National Champion)

[Buckskin86]

Despite demotion, Jenkins not down on Falcons adding Jones
By Steve Wyche NFL.com
Senior Writer
Published: May 10, 2011

Paul Abell / Associated Press
Michael Jenkins, a Falcons first-round pick in 2004, has yet to have a 1,000-yard receiving season.


ATLANTA -- Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins could be the most affected by the drafting of wide receiver Julio Jones, who I've been told already is pegged to be the No. 2 wideout to Pro Bowl selection Roddy White. That's Jenkins' role, by the way.

I asked Jenkins before roughly 25 Falcons players went through an hour-long, seven-on-seven session Tuesday if he was bothered by Atlanta's decision to give up two first-round draft picks, a second-rounder and other selections for the right to draft a player that could move him down the pecking order. Jenkins, who never seems bothered, said he wasn't.

"You know it's a business," said Jenkins, who had 41 receptions for 505 yards and two touchdowns last season. "You knew at some point we were going to get another receiver with a high pick. It's been probably since Roddy (in 2005), so it's all about the business and you know how it is. It adds competition and makes everybody better."

To note, Jenkins was at the workout. Jones was not. Quarterback Matt Ryan said Jones has been at others, although he's still impaired by the foot surgery he had after ripping up the NFL Scouting Combine.

In a side note, with the addition of Jones, Atlanta's top wide receivers are huge. Jenkins is 6-foot-4, 217 pounds; White stands 6-0, 212; and Jones is 6-3, 220 -- and for good measure, let's throw in tight end Tony Gonzalez, who is 6-5, 243.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000...tion-jenkins-not-down-on-falcons-adding-jones

 

[Buckskin86]

Falcons WR Michael Jenkins has handled the addition of sixth overall pick WR Julio Jones, who is expected to replace Jenkins as a starter opposite Roddy White, like a professional, sources say. He's not on the roster bubble, we hear, as the Falcons are trying to build a deep receiver corps and envision him playing a role in it. Jenkins has good size and he and Harry Douglas could share time in the slot in three-receiver sets.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/22/whitner-no-sure-thing-to-leave-buffalo

 

[Buckskin86]

Atlanta wide receiver Michael Jenkins. He became expendable the moment the Falcons drafted Julio Jones. The Falcons wanted a playmaker to pair with Roddy White. Jones fits that profile. Jenkins doesn?t.

But Jenkins could have some value in the trade market. He?s a solid possession receiver, who also is one of the league?s best blocking receivers. Other teams could view him as a starter.

The Falcons have plenty of other depth beyond White and Jones with Harry Douglas, Kerry Meier and Eric Weems and Jenkins could be used to help bring a draft pick for the future or a player for the present.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/41157/players-on-the-trading-block

 

[Buckskin86]

With the addition of Julio Jones, Michael Jenkins' job as a starting wide receiver is in jeopardy. Maybe the Falcons look to keep him as a very expensive backup or maybe they look to trade him because he should have some value on the market. But maybe the Falcons simply release Jenkins, who is scheduled to count $4.1 million against the cap. The Falcons would only be on the hook for $1.2 million.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/22398/nfc-south-cap-casualties

 

[Buckskin86]

Falcons Cut Michael Jenkins, Jamaal Anderson Friday Morning

Jul 29 by Jason Kirk

The Atlanta Falcons decision to not re-sign Jerious Norwood was made known by his agent Thursday, and here come a few more names. Former first-round picks Michael Jenkins and Jamaal Anderson will be released, the Falcons announced just before training camp begins in Flowery Branch.

Jenkins provided seven serviceable seasons as a No. 2 receiver out of Ohio State, but the team clearly expects Julio Jones to take over that spot and quickly Harry Douglas, Kerry Meier and a couple other wide receivers are also going to get their chances. He leaves Atlanta with a reputation as a solid producer.

http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta...ns-jamaal-anderson-cut-atlanta-falcons-roster

 

[Buckskin86]

Michael Jenkins makes sense for Vikings
July, 29, 2011
By Kevin Seifert

Probably the top question I'm seeing from Minnesota Vikings fans has been how they're planning to replace receiver Sidney Rice, who agreed earlier this week with the Seattle Seahawks.

During the wild speculation over the first few days of free agency, the Vikings have been linked to some big-name free agents, including Malcom Floyd and Braylon Edwards. They might well end up with one of those players, but here is another name to keep in mind: Michael Jenkins.

2010 STATS

Rec41
Yds505
TD2
Avg12.3
Long43
YAC81

The Atlanta Falcons released Jenkins on Friday morning, and already many people around the NFL are linking him to the Vikings because offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave used to be the Falcons' quarterbacks coach. That means Jenkins will know the Vikings offense and be ready to step in right away when newly signed free agents are able to begin practicing Aug. 4.

To be clear, Jenkins is a much different receiver than Rice. He's a classic possession type, with dependable hands and a good work ethic. He's not going to make plays happen downfield on his own, but he'll be in the place that Donovan McNabb (or Christian Ponder) expects him to be.

I have no inside knowledge that a deal is imminent. It's just one that makes a lot of sense for both sides.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/42391/michael-jenkins-makes-sense-for-vikings

 

[GeorgiaBuck2]

Agreed to a 3 year deal with the Vikings.

 

[Buckskin86]

Vikings sign former Atlanta Falcons receiver Michael Jenkins to three-year contract
Pioneer Press
Updated: 07/30/2011

Reuniting offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave with one of his former players, the Vikings have signed former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins to a three-year contract, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.

Jenkins, 29, who caught 41 passes for 505 yards for Atlanta last season, was cut by the Falcons this week. Musgrave has a connection with Jenkins from his days as the Falcons' quarterbacks coach.

Despite being linked to several high-profile free agent receivers, the Vikings never showed major interest in the Jets' Braylon Edwards and were in a holding pattern for the Packers' James Jones, who could return to Green Bay.

The 6-foot-4 Jenkins has 3,512 career receiving yards in seven seasons with the Falcons and an average of 12.7 yards per catch. Jenkins was used mostly as a possession receiver in Atlanta, while the Vikings need a deep threat to complement all of their inside options. Perhaps Musgrave can design an offense that helps Jenkins stretch the field, and vice versa.

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_18586117

 

[Buckskin86]

Likes Jenkins

Musgrave had been Atlanta's quarterbacks coach since 2006, so he is plenty familiar with new Vikings receiver Michael Jenkins, a first-round pick of the Falcons in 2004. Musgrave liked what he saw of Jenkins last year.

"Michael brings a lot of toughness to the wide receiver room," Musgrave said. "He'll go in there and block safeties, and we're going to be a running team, as we all have declared. He'll fit in really well with our mentality, and of course he has size and speed, which will help when we do throw the football down the field."

Jenkins missed the first five games of last season because of injury. "He was hurt initially during our Friday night scrimmage there in Atlanta, broke his collarbone," Musgrave said. "We didn't have him until maybe Week 6 or 7, if I can recall. But still had his 50 catches. ...

"Mike will definitely have a role, and he'll fill that very admirably."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/126496958.html

 

[Buckskin86]

August 7, 2011
Jenkins sees familiar faces with new team
Vikings counting on former Falcon to fill a big role

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO ? Michael Jenkins was recruited to Ohio State by Fred Pagac, and when it came time to be drafted, George Stewart was on the Atlanta staff who selected the receiver. For the last three seasons, Jenkins played in the system of coordinator Bill Musgrave.

When the lockout ended and Jenkins became a free agent, he saw a lot of friendly faces with the Minnesota Vikings.

?I?m excited to be here,? he said. ?There?s more familiarity here than with any other team.?

Jenkins signed a three-year deal with the Vikings on July 30, adding to depth at a position that was depleted when Sidney Rice signed with Seattle.

?He?s a solid player, he?s accountable,? Musgrave said. ?You get his best every day.?

At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, Jenkins is the biggest of the Vikings? receivers. Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and Greg Camarillo have more experience with the team, but Jenkins has the advantage of playing in the Musgrave offense.

?It?s going to be exciting,? Jenkins said. ?It?s aggressive. We?ll take some chances down the field. It?s going to be fun to watch.?

Jenkins, a No. 1 pick in 2004, had 276 receptions for 3,512 yards and 20 touchdowns in his Falcons? career.

Last season, he made 41 catches for 505 yards and two scores. With the emergence of Roddy White into a Pro Bowler, and when Julio Jones was made the Falcons? No. 1 pick in April, Jenkins was expendable.

?He?s fast at the top end,? Musgrave said. ?He has the size to go up and get it.?

Harvin and Berrian have been practicing with the starters, though Jenkins has been in on three-receiver sets.

?I want to be a playmaker,? he said. ?I?ll catch the ball when it comes to me, and I?ll make the blocks downfield to help break some plays. I?ll do whatever I can to make us better.?

Cont..

http://mankatofreepress.com/sports/x906051918/Jenkins-sees-familiar-faces-with-new-team

Updated: August 6th, 2011
Michael Jenkins flashing speed, sure hands as WR spots get sorted out
by Tom Pelissero
1500ESPN.com

MANKATO, Minn. -- The numbers don't indicate Michael Jenkins is a deep threat.

In seven NFL seasons, his per-catch average is 12.7 yards, and he's never even had a 100-yard game.

But look beyond the 6-foot-4, 214-pound frame for a moment. Watch him glide past Chris Cook for an 80-yard touchdown in practice.

Then reassess whether this is a prototypical possession receiver or the rare player who could show some new skills at age 29, if given the right opportunity.

"He's a long guy and he takes those long strides, so it doesn't look like he's covering that much ground, and then all of a sudden you see him behind someone," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "It was the same way when he was coming out of college. He was a sub-4.5, 4.4 guy. He can run."

At his Ohio State pro day in 2004, Jenkins was timed as low as 4.42 seconds -- intriguing speed for a player his size.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted him 29th overall and made him a starter in his second season. From 2005 to '09, Jenkins caught 228 passes for 2,888 yards (12.7 average) and 18 touchdowns.

"He's a solid player," said Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, the Falcons' quarterbacks coach from 2006 to '10. "He's accountable. You get his best every day."

Cont...

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...d_sure_hands_as_WR_spots_get_sorted_out080611

 

[Buckskin86]

Jenkins shows benefits of teachable moments for Vikings
Article by: ALEX PREWITT , Star Tribune
Updated: August 12, 2011

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins played under offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave with the Falcons last year, experience that should prove invaluable for a Vikings offense cramming for the upcoming season.

MANKATO ? Class is in session for the pass-catching professor.

When Michael Jenkins signed with the Vikings on July 30 after getting released by Atlanta, the seven-year pro was afforded a new opportunity brimming with familiarity.

Bill Musgrave was quarterbacks coach with the Falcons for five seasons and had installed a similar system in his new role as Vikings offensive coordinator.

And with time at a premium, Jenkins' experience with Musgrave's offense has made him a valuable asset in Mankato.

"The other receivers understand a veteran's presence, but they also understand that he knows this offense," said receivers coach George Stewart, who guided Jenkins for three years in Atlanta. "I called him 'the Professor.' He's still 'the Professor.' He knows everyone's position inside and out.

"Everyone goes to him, and it makes my job easier. This is an offense he knows, and we're all learning it."

While Jenkins said a "few other teams" inquired about him during his brief free-agency period, he already knew Musgrave and Stewart. Plus, defensive coordinator Fred Pagac helped recruit Jenkins to Ohio State.

"He's a solid player, he's accountable, you get his best every day," Musgrave said. "We're excited because he knows our system a little bit better than everybody else because he's had more time on task for the last three years."

Cont..

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/127535513.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqh6V6xsrlY"]Vikings Training Camp 2011: WR Michael Jenkins - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Jenkins: Musgrave has more offense to unveil
By Brian Hall
FOXSportsNorth.com

The Vikings' new offense will find its footing in time, said recently signed receiver Michael Jenkins. (Jim Brown/US Presswire)

When the Minnesota Vikings were preparing to sign wide receiver Michael Jenkins in July, his knowledge of the team?s offense was certainly a strong consideration.

Jenkins was with new Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave in Atlanta and likely understands the offense better than any other player. But after the unit's dismal performance in the preseason opener on Saturday, Jenkins knows there is more to come.

"It was real vanilla on Saturday,? Jenkins said. ?We put in a lot, but we didn't call a lot that first game; just kind of let guys go out and play football and not try to think in the first game."

Minnesota had just 248 yards of offense in a 14-3 loss at Tennessee. As it was the case at camp in Mankato, the passing game involved more dump-offs than downfield throws, averaging just 4.2 yards per pass play.

Just over two weeks since the start of practice, the passing attack is still a work in progress.

"Obviously, there is a lot more we can do within a game," Jenkins said. ?That will come with time. Only two weeks with our offense, you want to just let your guys play and let the coaches evaluate the talent they have. There will be more to come, and it will be a lot more exciting, where we get some points on the board."

Cont...

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/08/15...ing_mnvikings.html?blockID=548428&feedID=3697

Familiarity reason why Jenkins signed with Vikings
By Dave Campbell, AP Sports Writer

EDEN PRAIRIE ? Here?s a little-known piece of background on wide receiver Michael Jenkins: He picked up bowling as a hobby in college.

Familiar faces ? and a playbook he?s comfortable with ? have helped Jenkins get that metaphorical ball rolling in Minnesota more quickly. The transition to a new team for Jenkins hasn?t been as awkward or difficult as it can be for a guy trying to grasp a new scheme, and there are a couple of reasons.

?It?s a big help from me on the learning curve,? said Jenkins.

Cont...

http://www.wctrib.com/event/article/id/84142/

 

[BigWoof31]

Good for old Jenks. He's going to be loved in the Minny/St.P community and he will be missed in Atlanta!

 

[Buckskin86]

The geniuses who analyze NFL teams report that one of the many weaknesses of the 2011 Vikings is at receiver, a notion the team's outstanding wide receivers coach, George Stewart, disagrees with 100 percent.

One reason some experts have that opinion is because of the loss of Sidney Rice, who had one great season in 2009 for the Vikings with 83 catches and eight touchdowns, but he left via free agency to sign with the Seattle Seahawks for a five-year, $43 million deal (with $18.5 million guaranteed), a price Vikings owners weren't going to come close to matching.

One reason Stewart is high on his group of receivers is the presence of Michael Jenkins, who Stewart was instrumental in drafting out of Ohio State when he was on the Atlanta Falcons staff in 2004.

"I drafted Michael Jenkins. He's a blessing in disguise," Stewart said. "He comes here, he brings leadership, he brings veteran experience, he's able to catch the ball, he's able to stretch the field, he's a great run-blocker. All those things combined into one. We're glad to have Michael Jenkins here."

Cont...

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/128430213.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Friday, August 26, 2011
Q&A: Michael Jenkins, former Falcons wide receiver
By Chris Vivlamore
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, the Falcons? first-round draft pick (No. 29 overall) in 2004, is now playing for the Vikings. He signed with the team shortly after his release by the Falcons on July 29, the first day of training camp. Jenkins played seven seasons with the Falcons and caught 276 passes for 3,512 yards and 20 touchdowns.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jenkins talks about rejoining former Falcons assistant coaches Bill Musgrave and George Stewart with the Vikings and his time in Atlanta.

Q: How are things going for you in Minnesota?

A: It?s going good, actually. I?m trying to get used to this cool summer weather, 85 degrees. It?s been a great connection with the team, the organization and all the players here. It?s been a good transition.

Cont...

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/q-a-michael-jenkins-1145918.html