Malcolm Jenkins is a fan of Eagles safety Marcus Epps (as you should be)

Never tell an alpha male what he can’t do. That’s a lesson that you should have learned a long time ago. You’ve probably heard this story a time or two, but the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady, was a sixth-round draft choice in 2000, and he’s been ticked about that for 22 years. Marcus Epps has a long way to go before he’s thrown in the same category as TB12. In all honesty, he may never be seen in that class, but there’s a fire burning in him too.

All offseason, he’s heard that the safety position is the weak link on what’s become a formidable Philadelphia Eagles roster. He knows that he’s part of the reason that some of you believe that. Epps has heard the questions about whether or not he’s ready for an expanded role, and he knows that many of you have played armchair G.M. and spent the entire offseason trying to find someone to slide onto the depth chart in front of him.

Every time he’s spoken publicly, once about a month ago during OTAs and then about two weeks ago during a sit-down with Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro, Marcus Epps has smiled and answered every question about whether or not he’s ready for the opportunity with a smile and with class. Something tells us that he’s going to answer the doubters with his play on the field.

He has the support of the leadership as well as that of his teammates and coaches. It also appears as though some former Eagles have his back as well. Throw Malcolm Jenkins in that category.

Former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins backs Marcus Epps during a recent interview.

Now enjoying retirement, Jenkins made an appearance on Eagles Unfiltered. In reference to Marcus Epps, he had this to say:

"When I was there, he was a player that was behind me and Rodney [McLeod] but was rising fast on the depth chart, somebody who’s physically gifted and smart enough to understand defenses and where he needs to be in alignments and leverage. I think he’s soaked up a lot of game, and that was one of the things I recognized about him early was, you know, he’s somebody who wants to know how he can become the best player he can. He’d stick around late after meetings and ask questions and watch extra tape. So for me I know that, just because of those things, he’s going to be fine."

A true iron man in the midnight green, everyone knows that Malcolm Jenkins knows a thing or two about playing safety. The best player Philly has had at the position since Brian Dawkins (no disrespect is intended to Rodney McLeod), Jenkins played every defensive snap during his six years in the City of Brotherly Love with the exception of the Eagles’ Week 17 game versus the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, a game in which the starters rested to prepare for their march to Super Bowl LII.

Let’s put it this way. Whenever he has anything to say about the Birds or the position he played for 13 NFL seasons, it would be wise for anyone with an opportunity to listen to do so.

Here’s more of his take on Epps.

"Obviously, he’s gonna have a ton of expectations, and we know how Philadelphia feels about its safeties, so it’s a daunting task, but like anybody, he’s got to take the same approach and deal with the same stuff that even I went through, where you can’t try to be Dawkins or myself or whoever because you can’t. I’ve tried, I’ve done that before, I’ve watched Dawkins’ tape. I can’t do what he does. That’s why he is who he is. (Marcus Epps has) got to figure out what he does really well. I think he’s got great ball skills, I think he’s got range. He tackles well. As long as he can continue to develop his game and what he does well, and tries to be the best Epps he can be, I think he’ll be fine."

During his time in Philly, Jenkins racked up 515 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 58 pass breakups, 12 forced fumbles, and four defensive touchdowns in 96 regular-season games with 96 starts. He added another 40 total tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup in six postseason games.

Marcus Epps has a long way to go before he catches him, having tallied 109 total tackles, three interceptions, and nine pass breakups in 37 career games with eight starts. He should make up a little ground during the coming Eagles season.

Don’t count Marcus Epps out yet. Despite Jaquiski Tartt’s acquisition, he could win a starting role. He’ll be a huge factor in what the Birds are able to accomplish on defense all season long. There’s no need to worry. By the looks of things, everyone has full confidence that this is going to work out.