Summary

Kris Jenkins Jr. was selected in Round 2 (#49 Overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. The son of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, Jenkins Jr. developed into a reliable and versatile interior defender for a dominant Michigan defense. Over his collegiate career, he recorded 100+ total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks, playing a key role in Michigan’s 2023 National Championship run. While not a high-volume stat producer, Jenkins earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention recognition and was valued for his consistency, discipline, and ability to execute within a team-oriented defensive front. Jenkins entered the NFL regarded as a high-floor, scheme-versatile defensive lineman with strong bloodlines and professional habits. Coaches and evaluators consistently praise his work ethic, toughness, football intelligence, and maturity, noting his willingness to play unselfish roles, absorb coaching, and contribute to winning football rather than chasing individual statistics.

Strengths

• Versatility: Capable of playing 3-technique, 4i, or 5-technique in multiple fronts. Consistent snap-to-snap energy and executes assignments without freelancing.

• Run Defense Discipline: Maintains gap integrity and is reliable against double teams. Strong lower body allows him to anchor and hold the point.

• Hand Usage: Active, well-timed hands to control blockers and disengage. Plays with sound leverage and pad level.

• Pedigree & Professionalism: Brings NFL bloodlines and strong preparation habits. Understands blocking schemes and offensive tendencies.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Ceiling: More push-and-contain than dynamic interior penetrator. Best value may come as a complementary interior piece rather than focal point.

• First-Step Explosiveness: Lacks elite get-off compared to top interior rushers.

• Role Player vs. Disruptor: Pressures do not always convert to sacks. Steady presence rather than a disruptive game-changer.

• Length & Burst: Adequate but not rare physical traits.

Outlook

Kris Jenkins Jr. is best suited for multiple, disciplined defensive fronts that value versatility, reliability, and interior stability. He fits well in one-gap or hybrid schemes, where he can attack forward, maintain leverage, and occupy blockers to free edge rushers and linebackers. His ability to play multiple alignments allows defensive coordinators flexibility in personnel groupings and sub-packages. Looking ahead, Jenkins projects as a long-term rotational starter or high-end interior depth piece with the potential to grow into a consistent starter. While his athletic ceiling limits elite upside, his technique, toughness, and football intelligence give him a high floor and dependable value. Jenkins profiles as a winning-role defensive lineman who may not dominate the stat sheet but consistently contributes to sound run defense, pocket integrity, and overall defensive efficiency.