For the first time in a good while it seems like the Cleveland Browns have the makings of an offense but their defense could use some help. Would the Dallas Cowboys give up Mike Jenkins?
Jenkins willing to play anywhere despite Morris Claiborne
It's not the first time a talented rookie has joined a roster to take the spot of a capable veteran. It isn't the last either but Mike Jenkins knows the business of the NFL as well as anybody. While the Dallas Cowboys promised he would stay a big part of their defense they still spent big money and draft picks for Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. So far the results stand mixed but Jenkins hasn't waited for his shot if either start to falter. The corner who went to a Pro Bowl said he is just a DB (defensive back), meaning he has no problems at all if the Cowboys want to slide him to safety. Their two starters are both hurt. Jenkins also said he wouldn't mind playing more special teams given the problems with return man Felix Jones. No matter what some might say about his ability on defense, Jenkins has stayed professional and made it clear all he wants to do is play football. Dallas just might not have a place where he fits. Should they consider trading him?
Issues with Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown cause problems
Fans in Cleveland probably see as their typical hard luck. Just when the Browns get the offense going their defense falls apart. Fellow rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson did all they could to help their defense but couldn't pull out a win against Cincinnati despite scoring 27 points. The Browns came into the 2012 season with a lot of promise on defense. One of the keys to everything was their talented young corner Joe Haden who many saw as a sure-fire Pro Bowler this season. That was before he got suspended for violating the league substance abuse policy. His replacement Sheldon Brown couldn't match his cover skills against the Bengals. This has forced Cleveland to consider moving him to the nickel spot while a young reserve fills in on the outside. Throw in some serious depth problems at linebacker and Cleveland is one bad injury away from falling apart. The team has need for cover men. Trading for Jenkins from Dallas sounds desperate but it could become an important move. His arrival would put less pressure on the other players on defense, allowing them to play looser and smarter. This in turn would allow Weeden and the offense to play a run-first game. Dallas meanwhile likely gets a solid draft pick out of it.
Mike Jenkins isn't a savior but he is young and good enough to start on most teams. Morris Claiborne took his job because he was hurt but the Dallas Cowboys can't expect to not use him all season. The Cleveland Browns need help and might pay a good price for him.
Photo Credit - Brett Davis
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