Steelers WR Jaray Jenkins says lack of elite speed no deterrent in his ability to make plays

Jaray Jenkins was part of a national championship team. He caught a touchdown pass in a bowl game. One during an SEC championship game, too.

Jenkins believes that résumé – one that included 14 touchdowns against SEC competition for LSU – means much more than the 40-yard dash time of 4.6 seconds he ran at last year’s combine that kept him from being drafted.

“I am just going bring it everywhere, with my route running, everything,” Jenkins said Wednesday after taking part in his second organized team activities session with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “Everyone talking about that I’m not the fastest – but that doesn’t matter. I don’t have to be the fastest. I just know how to set my routes up. I know how to win. And that’s what I am gonna do.

“You have to know how to run your routes and get in and out of your breaks. That’s more important than speed.”

Jenkins said Wednesday the Steelers were in regular touch with him during the lead-up to the 2023 draft. Ultimately, he was not selected and chose to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.

After suffering an injury late during the preseason, Jenkins was released. But, at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, the Steelers added Jenkins to their wide receivers corps Monday.

“I am going into my second year, so I most definitely know what to expect,” Jenkins said. “Last year I was just clueless or whatever, but now I know. I am ready to attack it day by day, just doing better and better.”