The word flowed freely out of Janoris Jenkins, and he sounded comfortable and confident in relaying the meaning behind it.

Special.

“I think we could be special, man, a special unit,’’ Jenkins told The Post on Wednesday after a Giants training camp practice on a picture-perfect day.

Define “special,’’ please.

“Like you got talent everywhere,’’ Jenkins said. “Everybody can play different positions, everybody got different skills and skill sets, and I think we can match up differently. We [face] a tight end like [the Cowboys’] Jason Witten, we can put Eli Apple or Cro [Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie] in the slot. We can match up differently in different ways.’’

Jenkins says he’s never been a part of a special defense in his four years with the Rams. The last time he was part of such a unit was during his time as a Florida Gator, playing alongside Joe Haden, Brandon Spikes, Carlos Dunlap and Major Wright.

“We were very special,’’ Jenkins said.

The reason Jenkins is here is to return the Giants’ defense to prominence after a fall from grace lowlighted by the dreadful showing in 2015. Jenkins, 27, landed a five-year, $62.5 million contract, a centerpiece along with Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison as big-ticket free agents arriving like a cavalry charge. The Giants envision a youngish, athletic secondary with Jenkins, Rodgers-Cromartie and first-round draft pick Apple providing blanket coverage at cornerback – with Trevin Wade in the slot, perhaps – and a big upgrade at safety with Landon Collins in his second season and rookie Darian Thompson starting as a ball-hawker.

Thus far in camp, Jenkins has made plays, given up plays and shown the aggressiveness that marked his time in St. Louis.

“He’s everything we thought and more,’’ coach Ben McAdoo said.

More?

“I think he has some leadership potential,’’ McAdoo said. “Does a nice job of taking the young guys under his wing.’’

This was not a trait Jenkins displayed much with the Rams. He said he relied on veterans such as Cortland Finnegan to show him the ropes and admitted he’d rather do his job without much chatter. His experience, his mega-deal and his move to a new team mean there is greater responsibility. Jenkins has no problem with that.

“I see it,’’ he said. “I try to lead by participating and showing what I can do on the field and in practice. And when we get in the classroom I tell ’em things that can help them, back and forth, they tell me things that can help me.’’

What McAdoo noticed – mentoring younger teammates – is a newfound addition to Jenkins’ business model.

“It’s just pulling them to the side,’’ Jenkins said. “In practice a coach might yell at ’em, and that’s where I come in, I’ll be like, ‘C’mon, man, you’re better than that, he don’t mean no harm.’

“I feel like it’s new for me. I’m in a situation now to be a leader in the secondary, so I’m trying to give knowledge to younger guys like the older guys gave me when I first came in. That’s a good role. I just got to stay humble, continue to compete and lead by example.’’

Jenkins has come so far so fast with his new team that cornerbacks coach Tim Walton calls him “a leader of the group.”

“He brings a lot of energy and uplifts the group on the back end,” Walton said, “so we’re very pleased with what he’s brought to the table so far.’’

Jenkins prefers to be called by his nickname, “Jackrabbit,’’ and said all his new teammates have complied, even McAdoo. Frank Cignetti Jr., the new quarterbacks coach who held the same title with the Rams, shortened the moniker when asked about Jenkins.

“Great football player, he’s a competitor,’’ Cignetti said. “I love Rabbit, he’s a great addition. I’m so happy that he’s here.’’

Jenkins says he already notices a big difference with the Giants than during his time in St. Louis.

“The atmosphere is way different, the fans are way different,’’ he said. “The fans are more excited.

“It’s all love here, man. When I came, in they welcomed me with open arms, everybody. Around here nobody’s bigger than the team, so it’s like a family, and I really like that.’’

You might say Jenkins is feeling special about his new football home.