NFL Draft Profile: Kris Jenkins’ energy and adaptability speak for itself

From NFL son to collegiate star, the Michigan defensive tackle is ready to make the transition.

Every year, the Michigan Wolverines develop excellent defensive lineman into top NFL draft prospects. This year won’t be any different.

Kris Jenkins is a bright, high-energy, athletic, and versatile prospect. He grew up around football (his father was a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle) and has always believed that his power would allow him to outlast any offensive lineman. Jenkins is renowned as a key run-stopper who played mostly in a 3 or 4i technique at Michigan; but, he believes he can play 1-technique, 5-technique, and even 7-technique on occasion.

The most important aspect of Jenkins’ play is consistency. Jenkins made 22 defensive tackles in four starts as a sophomore. He then more than doubled those figures in his junior season, recording 54 total tackles and two sacks in 14 starts. Finally, during his senior season with the Wolverines, he recorded 36 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception.

Jenkins has been successful from his days at Our Lady Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, and he intends to continue that trend in the NFL.

NFL Combine Results

Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 299 pounds
Arm: 34’’
Hand: 9 3/8’’
40-Yard Dash: 4.91 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.70 seconds
Vertical Jump: 30’’
Broad Jump: 9’7’’
Bench Press: 29 reps
20-Yd Shuttle: 4.78 seconds

Strengths

• Has very strong hands and knows how to play with them, playing the block before the block plays him.
• Relentless pass-rusher energy, maintains a high motor to find openings.
• Utilizes a nasty spin-counter move that has shown great success in college.
• A strong run-stuffer; holds ground against single blocks and can tackle what is in his gap.
• The film speaks for itself — watch the tape from Alabama and Washington.

Weaknesses

• Has a smaller frame for an NFL defensive tackle.
• Slow off the ball at times; can find himself a step behind the rest of the line getting out of his stance.
• Does not possess a strong enough anchor to handle an NFL double-team.
• Relies on his brute strength at times and can make inconsistent contact balance.

Projections

There are a lot of expectations for Jenkins. He comes from a successful football family, he led the Wolverines to a National Championship on the defensive line in 2024, many Michigan lineman have had great success in the NFL in recent years, and he has the versatility that teams need.

Jenkins’ size could be a detriment. Jenkins is significantly smaller than some of the other fierce defensive lineman in this year’s draft. As a result, I could imagine Jenkins finishing in the bottom half of the second round. Jenkins, on the other hand, has versatility that few defensive tackles can match. Jenkins has played on the outside as an edge and demonstrated his ability to bulk up and play inside. Different teams may have different expectations for him, but he is a Day 2 talent who should be off the board by the end of the second round.

The promising thing for Jenkins is that he still has untapped potential. With coaching aimed at developing his technical skills, he may be able to maximize his athleticism and elevate his performance.