2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kris Jenkins

Kris Jenkins NFL Draft Overview

Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6’3 (Unofficial)
Weight: 305 lbs (Unofficial)
Age: 22 years old
School: Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines are the 2023 and 2024 NCAA football playoff champions. They dominated opponents all year with old-fashioned domination in the trenches on both sides of the football. One of the best on their defensive line was defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. Jenkins was a three-star edge rusher out of Olney, Maryland. Upon his arrival at Michigan, Jenkins was 240 pounds. He worked hard and grew into a 305-pound machine. Jenkins became a starter in his junior season and amassed 54 tackles and two sacks. In 2023, as a senior, Jenkins accorded 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks, earning All-Big Ten honors. Kris Jenkins is arguably the best run-stopper in the draft. However, is he the best defensive lineman in the draft? Let’s dig into the film!

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2024 NFL Draft: Kris Jenkins Scouting Report

Strengths

One of the best in the Draft at stopping the run. If you need a run defender, he’s the guy.
He has excellent pop to jolt the offensive lineman in the run game and plays with great padding level and base.
He has good awareness of where the ball carrier is going and can even be the tackler.
Even with a lineman dropped on him, he makes the tackle.
He is versatile on early downs. He can play in the five-technique but bump down to play zero technique with positive impact.
Flashes’ pass rush ability and high-end athleticism/ flexibility wish were more consistent because they are there.

Weaknesses

As of right now offers little to nothing as a pass rusher.
He is not a three-down defensive lineman, which automatically puts him in backup territory.
He rarely uses pass rush moves besides bull rush. Bullrush needs to be more sustainable and is often swallowed by offensive linemen.
There needs to be a consistent get-off in pass situations, shockingly, sometimes slow and behind.
It’s not a good sign for him because his best trait would be the quickness and athleticism that he flashes.

Projection: Third Round Pick

NFL Comparison: Grover Stewart

Best Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Bottom Line on Kris Jenkins

Kris Jenkins is a prospect who could be a target for an NFL team looking to boost their run defense. Jenkins is a day-one impact run defender due to his strong base, strength, and awareness. He is a prospect you bring to do your dirty work so your stars can run free and make plays. Jenkins also has underrated quickness and athleticism, signaling there may be some untapped potential as a pass rusher. He will have to improve his get-off and add pass-rush moves because, right now, he offers little to nothing in that department. My NFL pro comparison was former Colt Grover Stewart. Stewart is a free agent and is about to get a good payday because of stopping the run. Like Jenkins, Stewart only offers a little as a pass rusher but can push the pocket occasionally. If your favorite team drafts Kris Jenkins, you will not be disappointed.

Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports

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