After setback, Jenkins is staying positive

When the Redskins selected Jarvis Jenkins in the second round (41st overall) of the latest NFL Draft, many draft analysts weren't sure of the pick. Some thought it was a reach. But Jenkins quickly made a name for himself when practices officially started, and he had arguably been the team's most impressive rookie heading into the Ravens game last Thursday. Unfortunately for both Jenkins and the Redskins, though, he tore his ACL in the game, forcing him to have surgery later this week to repair the injury that ended his season before it even started.

So Jenkins won't get to take the field this year, an obvious disappointment for a player expected to provide the Redskins with some flexibility -- and talent -- at defensive end. But Jenkins seems to be staying positive instead of focusing on all of the negatives of the injury. Here's what he had to say:

"If you think positive about your injuries, only positives will come out of it. I can learn the defense better. I get a chance to watch more film on guys for next year. I get a head start, and also I can get this leg stronger. I can work on myself. There are a lot of things I can do to make myself better for next year."

That's a great way to look at it. The Redskins will certainly miss Jenkins's presence on the field this season, but assuming his surgery and rehab both go as planned, the Redskins can pencil Jenkins in at defensive end next season. He will not have played in any official games, but he'll get to watch a ton of film and learn from players and coaches all season long. There's only so much to be gained from off-the-field work, but assuming Jenkins puts in the time and effort, his defensive IQ in the Redskins' 3-4 system will grow.