The Seattle Seahawks’ defense is set to undergo significant changes in the upcoming season, which could be a positive development given the unit’s struggles in 2023. One area where these changes will be most noticeable is in the safety position. With the departures of Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, Rayshawn Jenkins steps in to lead the revamped safety group. While Jenkins may not have the same level of recognition as the players he’s replacing, he remains a formidable player in his own right. Drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, Jenkins gained prominence during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he established himself as a impactful player and a defensive leader over three seasons.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider is thrilled about adding Rayshawn Jenkins to the team and is eager to see how Jenkins can contribute to the defense. Schneider mentioned that Jenkins was released due to cap reasons by Jacksonville but played a significant role as a one-high safety last season and also operated in the box. Despite being primarily known as a strong safety, Jenkins is known for his aggressive and disruptive style of play. The Seahawks plan to utilize more two-high safety formations this season, and Jenkins has the versatility to excel in both roles. One of Jenkins’ notable qualities is his leadership on the field, as he often took on the responsibility of relaying play calls to the defense, especially when a linebacker was unavailable for Jacksonville.
