In order to bolster a defensive line that lacked size, the Ravens agreed to a one-year contract with nose tackle John Jenkins.

In the NFL, building a dominant defense often starts with the front line. The Baltimore Ravens, known for their tough, hard-nosed defensive identity, have long relied on their defensive line to control the trenches, particularly against the run. In 2025, the Ravens made a notable move to bolster their defensive front by signing veteran nose tackle John Jenkins to a one-year deal. Jenkins’ addition provides the team with much-needed depth and stability at a position of weakness for the Ravens: the interior of their defensive line.

This signing came at a time when the Ravens were facing a significant challenge—ensuring their run defense returned to its dominant form. Despite boasting a solid linebacker corps and strong secondary play, the Ravens’ defensive line had been somewhat underwhelming in recent years. They struggled with maintaining consistent pressure up the middle and stopping opposing running backs from breaking through. Adding Jenkins, a well-regarded veteran known for his run-stuffing ability, was a strategic decision aimed at fixing this very issue.

Jenkins brings a wealth of experience to the Ravens’ locker room, having spent time with several NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons. Known for his ability to clog running lanes, Jenkins is a classic nose tackle who excels at occupying space, shedding blockers, and forcing plays to the outside. In many ways, he fits the mold of a Ravens defensive lineman who can make an immediate impact.

In this analysis, we will break down Jenkins’ career, his role within the Ravens’ defensive scheme, and what his presence means for the team in 2025. We will also take a look at how his signing fits into the broader vision for the Ravens’ defense and what the future holds for Jenkins and the team as they look to continue their push for postseason success.

John Jenkins was born on August 23, 1989, in Jenkins’ hometown, and grew up with a passion for football. From a young age, it was clear that Jenkins had the physical attributes that could make him a force on the field. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing over 340 pounds, Jenkins was a natural fit for the nose tackle position. He attended the University of Georgia, where his physical presence and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage quickly garnered attention.

At Georgia, Jenkins was a key contributor to the defensive line, playing alongside other future NFL talent. His time in college showcased his natural ability to clog running lanes and anchor the defensive front. Over his career, he accumulated impressive statistics, particularly in terms of tackles for loss, sacks, and pass deflections. His performance at Georgia earned him a spot in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Jenkins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, bringing with him a reputation as a run-stuffer with the potential to develop into a starter at the next level. His early years in New Orleans were marked by consistency but also by the limitations inherent in his skill set. Jenkins’ size made him a valuable asset in stopping the run, but his lack of pass-rushing ability kept him from becoming an all-around defensive lineman.

Over the next few years, Jenkins played with several teams, including the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and others. Though his role varied with each team, one constant remained: Jenkins was a reliable force in the middle of the defensive line. Known for his ability to take on double-teams and occupy blockers, Jenkins became a respected figure in the trenches.

Despite his size and strength, Jenkins’ career was not without setbacks. Injuries and inconsistent play sometimes hampered his ability to stay on the field. However, when healthy, Jenkins has remained an excellent run defender, with some of the league’s top coaches praising his dedication and ability to clog up the middle of opposing offensive lines.

John Jenkins is primarily known for his run defense. His size alone allows him to occupy space and create chaos along the line of scrimmage. He is an expert at disengaging from blockers and preventing running backs from finding gaps. However, Jenkins does have limitations when it comes to pass rush. His lack of elite quickness and ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks has often been a topic of discussion throughout his career.

One of the key areas where Jenkins excels is in his leadership. As a veteran player, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help mentor younger defensive linemen. His presence in the locker room will be invaluable to a Ravens defensive line that is looking to establish a dominant identity.

Before John Jenkins’ signing, the Ravens’ defensive line was a position of concern. The team had struggled in recent years to maintain a consistent pass rush and, more importantly, had faced challenges in stopping the run. The Ravens’ defensive scheme relies heavily on controlling the line of scrimmage, and without a strong presence in the middle, the defense had been vulnerable to power running games.

In 2024, the Ravens’ run defense ranked lower than expected, with teams able to consistently push up the middle of their defense. The team lacked a true nose tackle capable of occupying blockers and keeping the linebackers free to make plays. The signing of Jenkins addressed this gap. He was brought in to provide an anchor in the middle of the line and allow the rest of the defensive front to function at a higher level.

Jenkins’ role would be to eat up space, clog running lanes, and force plays to the outside, where the Ravens’ speedy linebackers could chase down ball carriers. By doing so, Jenkins gives the Ravens the ability to stop the run with fewer players in the box, allowing them to focus on defending the pass and rushing the quarterback.

John Jenkins’ role with the Ravens will be clearly defined as a run stopper. The Ravens’ defensive front is built around stopping the run, and Jenkins’ ability to clog the middle of the line will allow the team to better defend against power-running teams. His size and strength make him a perfect fit for a 3-4 defensive alignment, where the nose tackle plays a pivotal role in the defense.

The Ravens’ defense will benefit greatly from Jenkins’ ability to occupy blockers and allow the linebackers to flow freely to the ball. Players like Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith will be the direct beneficiaries of Jenkins’ presence, as they will be able to avoid engagement with offensive linemen and make plays in the backfield. Jenkins’ ability to control the line of scrimmage will also help edge rushers like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo by creating a more crowded pocket for quarterbacks.

The Ravens had several options to consider when looking to bolster their defensive line, but they ultimately chose John Jenkins. This section will delve into the various players available on the free-agent market at the time and why Jenkins was the right fit. We will compare his skill set to other veteran defensive linemen, as well as examine how his contract fits into the Ravens’ cap space and long-term plans.

In conclusion, the Ravens made the right move by signing John Jenkins to a one-year deal. His experience, leadership, and run-stopping ability provide exactly what the team needed in the middle of their defensive front. As the Ravens look to return to their defensive roots, Jenkins will be a key piece in helping the team achieve that goal.