E.J. Jenkins, a tight end, has been signed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network first reported the addition on November 1.
Jenkins signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets following the 2023 NFL Draft. In the preseason, he caught three passes on four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown (stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus). During the preseason, he also averaged 5.3 yards after the catch.
Despite a strong offseason, Jenkins was part of New York’s roster cuts in August. He’ll now be able to join the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
Dallas Goedert, Jack Stoll, Grant Calcaterra, and Albert Okwuegbunam are the Eagles’ current tight ends.
Jenkins started his collegiate career as a wide receiver for the FCS St. Francis Red Flash, where he redshirted in 2017. He saw limited action in 2018 and had a breakout year in 2019, catching 39 passes for 779 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jenkins chose to transfer to South Carolina after the Red Flash canceled their season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He saw limited action there, catching eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Jenkins transferred again the following year, to Georgia Tech, in 2022. He had 17 catches for 316 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts) with the Yellow Jackets in 2022.
Jenkins, according to NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein, “might not have the game tape or production to be drafted, but it’s difficult to ignore his size, length, and willingness to block at an above-average level.” While he was a wide receiver at Georgia Tech, he may be able to rebrand as a slot tight end capable of assisting in the running game.”
Jenkins, who played wide receiver throughout college, moved over to tight end after joining the Jets. He has incredible athleticism for his size, making the transition a relatively natural one. At 6’6″ and 245 pounds (his college teams listed him as 6’7″), Jenkins is a raw yet talented young player.
He ran an impressive 4.6-second 40-yard dash at his Georgia Tech Pro Day in March. He also had a 32-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump. If his game continues to develop, could be quite a weapon lining up in the slot, which he did in the preseason while with the Jets.
“Growing up, I tried to model my game after Calvin Johnson, and as I got bigger, I will always look up to bigger receivers and big tight ends,” Jenkins told Sports Illustrated in May. “Darren Waller, Travis Kelce, older guys like Tony G (Gonzalez), and I feel like my play style fits with them.”
Jenkins is also willing to play anywhere the Eagles want him to.
“I will play wherever teams are willing to pick me at, I am willing to do it,” Jenkins added. “I have been hearing a little bit of tight end and a little bit of receiver so whatever team I go to and whatever position they put me at, I am going to play to the best of my ability.”
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