Kris Jenkins – Defensive tackle – 22 years old – Redshirt junior – Michigan
Height: 1.91 m
Weight: 136 kg
2023 stats: 14 games, 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception
Estimated draft position: 45-75
NFL Comparison: Da'Shawn Hand
Kris Jenkins is a junior, namesake and son of the senior, a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. Same name, same position… Jenkins is, by his parentage, ready for the world and the games of the NFL. However, his profile is far removed from that of his father, a sign of the evolution of the game in recent years. Less tall, less strong, he compensates with his energy, his speed and his understanding of the game.
Arriving on tiptoe in a squad full of talent, Jenkins ended up making his place at the top of Michigan's defense, until being named captain last season. Leader of the best squad in the country and university champion, he now enjoys a pedigree other than his surname alone to continue his progression at the highest level.
Kris Jenkins' Highlights
- Mobility
- Football IQ
- Leadership
If he lacks size and weight compared to the references for the position in the NFL, Kris Jenkins on the other hand has nothing to envy them in terms of mobility, all taxes included. Whether forward, laterally or even in the air, he shows rare agility for his 136 kg. Explosive on his first step, he is also surprisingly fast, as evidenced by his time of 4.91 seconds over 40 yards, in the combine. This velocity, combined with the constant activity of his feet, gives him a disconcerting energy, which he manages to transform into power, against the race.
In addition to being an excellent athlete, Jenkins is a smart player. His reading of blocks and feints from offensive line players borders on perfection. His management of space and timing in the trenches gives him a definite advantage in initial positions. He also knows how to use his hands wisely to control those around him.
#Michigan DL Kris Jenkins. 6'3 300.
• Explosive first step/short area wiggle.
• Active hands w/ a plan ++.
• Wins w/ technique more than athleticism.
• HIGH motor/effort.
• Strong core (rarely ever on the ground).
• NFL pedigree (Son of 4x Pro Bowl Kris Jenkins). pic.twitter.com/wAHFIDpV4a— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) March 12, 2024
Son of a former great player, captain of the university champion team, Jenkins will be no task in an NFL locker room. Although he is not immediately a leader, he will have no trouble adapting to his change in status and proving himself in the shadow of the veterans, without making waves.
Kris Jenkins' weak points
- Template
- Rush technique
With five centimeters and a dozen kilos more, Kris Jenkins could undoubtedly have been eligible for selection in the first round. The power margin he enjoyed at university will be irremediably reduced in the professionals, and that is what his game is mainly based on. A career in the NFL with a deficit in height and weight is not impossible, far from it. from there, provided other arguments are put forward.
Jenkins has the explosiveness and mobility that will allow him to hold his own against the run, but his technical repertoire to chase the quarterback is, for the moment, very limited. To the point that it seems almost unthinkable to align him on passing games, if he does not equip himself with two or three reference moves to compensate for his small stature, the only option to deceive the behemoths he will face every week.
Possible destinations
New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers.
After Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata in 2023, the Saints lost Malcolm Roach this offseason. Kris Jenkins would not be too much to ensure the rotation, behind the trio of Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders.
For the Rams, replacing Aaron Donald with one man is mission impossible, and the early success of Byron Young and Kobie Turner is not enough to present a complete defensive line. Jenkins would, moreover, be very complementary to the young Angelinos. The same logic could apply for the Dolphins who just let go of Christian Wilkins.
As for the Chargers, the connection would be almost too obvious if the need for a specialist against the run wasn't so dire. For Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh to find their protégé, they will have to hope that all the teams pass their turn before the 69th choice, or climb a little in the draft to get him.
