2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kris Jenkins

Prospect Summary:

After spending a couple of seasons as a backup, Jenkins earned a starting spot in 2022 and had a strong debut with 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two hurries. He was a tough run defender for Michigan and reliable inside presence. In 2023, Jenkins played very well for the Wolverines and was a key cog on their defense helping them to win a National Championship. On the year, Jenkins recorded 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception.

In the ground game, Jenkins is a dynamic defender with instincts that lead him to make tackles and cause disruption. Over the past two seasons, he was one of the best run-defending defensive linemen in college football. Jenkins is extremely stout at the point of attack. When runs come downhill at him, he is able to anchor and hold his ground. Jenkins also shows the strength to shed and tackle. He will push his way into the backfield to disrupt runs and reset the line of scrimmage. Jenkins’ lateral anchor was advanced for a college player, so he was tough to move at the point of attack even when taking on double teams. Jenkins is very strong, allowing him to take on double-team bump blocks and hold his ground when getting hit from the side. Entering the NFL, Jenkins is a very good run defender. He has the potential to be a huge asset against the run as a pro.

Jenkins has upside as a pass rusher despite his lack of sacks. Michigan’s scheme did not always let him pin his ears back and go after the quarterback, but when he was given the green light, Jenkins did a nice job of pressuring the signal-caller. Jenkins has quickness to fire the gap and athleticism with loose hips to dodge blockers or loop around. When Jenkins gets free, he shows a burst to close and will violenctly put the quarterback. Jenkins is dangerous with games upfront, doing a very good job of executing stunts. As a pro, it would help Jenkins to add refinement and quantity to his pass-rushing moves. After some development, Jenkins could be a three-down starter in the NFL. He may never be a prolific pass rusher who puts up double-digit sacks, but he has the potential to be a player who produces 6-8 sacks per season in the good years of his career.

“He’s top 10% in run stops over the last two seasons,” said an AFC director of player personnel. “I don’t know if he’ll ever be an elite interior pass rusher, but he’s athletic, has quickness, strength, and is very instinctive.”

The instincts could be hereditary as Jenkins is the son of Carolina Panthers four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. His uncle Cullen Jenkins had a good pro career as well, winning a Super Bowl with Green Bay. His father and uncle have been tutoring Kris Jenkins. Out of high school, Jenkins was a defensive end and weighed 240 pounds at the start of his time at Michigan. He has set weight room records for the Wolverines while adding 60-70 pounds in the process of moving inside to defensive tackle.

For the NFL, Jenkins would fit any defense. He could be a great fit as a nose tackle or five technique in a 3-4. In a 4-3, he could play nose tackle or some three-technique. Jenkins is strong and athletic with versatility to play a variety of positions and techniques up front. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Jenkins could go in the back half of the first round. He shouldn’t last long if he makes it to Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.