Jenkins was selected by the Saints in the first round (14th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.  The Ohio State standout played his rookie season at cornerback but seamlessly shifted to free safety in 2010.

He has appeared in 57 games with 49 starts, recorded 325 tackles (233 solo), 32 passed defensed, two sacks, four interceptions with two returned for touchdowns, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Jenkins was voted as defensive team captain by his teammates. Despite missing the final three games of the 2012 season due to a hamstring injury he finished tied for third on the team with 95 stops (70 solo), one blocked field goal and an interception returned 55 yards for a touchdown at Oakland.  

One of the most memorable plays of the 2012 season was carried out by Jenkins in Week 7 at Tampa Bay. Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was on his way to scoring a 96-yard touchdown when Jenkins ran down Vincent from the opposite side of the field and tackled him at the 1-yard line. The Saints stopped the Buccaneers from scoring and went on to win the game.  

Jenkins on Jenkins (Jan. 18, 2013):
"Every play, I am going to go hard, regardless of what the play or game looks like. Even in high school or college, that was my mind-set. I never want to quit on a play. I am looking for any way to give my team a chance; even if it's a first-and-goal at the 1. All you want is to have a chance. I know what the result can be. It doesn't always pay off, but there are those key times where you will have that opportunity."