Janoris Jenkins’ high expectations for Giants season match his high-priced deal

It sounds like Janoris Jenkins thinks the Giants will get a worthwhile return on their investment in the secondary. Fresh off of finishing dead-last in the NFL in passing defense, Big Blue dished out the cash for Jenkins and spent the No. 10 overall pick on CB Eli Apple. So where does Jenkins think the passing defense will rank this year?

I can probably see us top 5, top 10,” Jenkins told the Daily News Wednesday. “I think we’re pretty good. I think we can be special.”

So far, head coach Ben McAdoo seems satisfied with the early signs from his defensive backs.

“It’s tough to complete a ball against them,” McAdoo said. “The first couple groups are doing a nice job out there. They seem to be communicating fairly well, which is a big part of it.”

McAdoo might have a bit of a selective memory in this case, given that Eli Manning had plenty of success in Tuesday’s practice.

However, it’s possible the Giants might not actually be done reinforcing the secondary just yet. Big Blue worked out Leon Hall on Wednesday, according to a source. Hall, 31, had previously worked out for the Giants in May.

As for Jenkins, McAdoo thought his new CB hasn’t needed any adjustment period coming into his first training camp with the Giants, noting that the former Ram has “picked it up right away.” It’s worth noting that Jenkins has been beaten a few times deep so far in camp, however.

Jenkins was an expensive part of the Giants’ defensive rebuild, signing a five-year, $62 million deal with $29 million guaranteed back in March. At that price, it’s no wonder that he isn’t receiving a grace period from McAdoo. But Jenkins also said he wasn’t thinking about fulfilling his pricey contract.

“I don’t play because I’ve got money, man. I play because I love football,” Jenkins said. “People just feel like, because you got paid you’re going to act different. Nah.”

One aspect of the Giants that Jenkins thinks will help him and the rest of the secondary is the stiff competition in practice.

“Everybody ain’t going to have an Odell Beckham on their team,” Jenkins said. “A Victor Cruz, a Sterling Shepard or a quarterback like Eli Manning. Competing against those guys every day, just going up against them knowing that these are some of the best players that you’re gonna play in the NFL (and) you’re just getting better."

Odell Beckham Jr. OK despite suffering cuts on leg in practice
Now, that may be hyperbole about some of his teammates, but not about Beckham. Asked if Beckham was the best player Jenkins had ever faced in practice, he said, “I mean, yes. He’s Odell.”

Jenkins was involved in the play in which Beckham got hurt on Sunday. Beckham ran a play-action post route and he and the cornerback both jumped for the ball. “He came down wrong, I came down wrong,” Jenkins said.

The cornerback said he texted Beckham immediately after practice to make sure he was OK. Beckham ended up with scratches and some soreness and is expected to return to practice soon.

Jenkins also was nicked up on the play and had a small bandage covering scratches on his right leg, though he hasn’t missed any practice time.