Saints rookie rankings for week 4

Bleacher Report

John Jenkins #20
Kenny Vaccaro # 9

Other notables: Jarvis Jones #14, Eric Reid #7, Tyrann Mathieu #4

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Nose tackles aren’t known for piling up statistics, and Saints rookie John Jenkins is unlikely to become an exception. That said, the third-round pick has looked thus far to be an answer to the team’s need for a nose tackle to anchor its three-man front.

The athletic 346-pounder has recorded seven total tackles in three games—a solid number for a nose tackle.

Jenkins did not record any quarterback hurries in Week 3, according to PFF, but his ability to provide a solid presence in the middle on all three downs makes him very valuable in the Saints’ new defensive scheme.

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The Saints continued to see immediate results from first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro versus the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Vaccaro recorded his first career interception, which he returned 29 yards, and had seven total tackles in New Orleans’ 31-7 victory.

Vaccaro has played every Saints defensive snap through three weeks and has lined up all over the field on the back end of new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme. He has been a very active defender, recording 17 tackles through three weeks. He hasn't given up any plays longer than 16 yards in pass coverage.

The Saints defense has made immediate progress this season with Ryan leading the way. And one reason for that progress has been Vaccaro, who has stepped in impressively for a rookie to an every-down, impact-player role.

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