NFL Draft grades in for Kris Jenkins: Bengals earn mostly-high marks for selection
Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Kris Jenkins got the party started for his program on night two of the 2024 NFL Draft, going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 49 overall selection. His selection reunites him with a handful of former teammates in defensive backs DJ Turner and Daxton Hill, punter Brad Robbins and running back Chris Evans.
Jenkins’ selection drew mostly positive reviews from the NFL Draft media. Here’s what they were saying about the Michigan star.
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A
Cincinnati needed a replacement for D.J. Reader, and it couldn’t have found a better fill-in than Jenkins. At Michigan, Jenkins (6-2, 299) tied up blockers for the national champions — he finished with 36 tackles, including four for loss, and two sacks last fall. And perhaps playing a different role will help him even more statistically.
Brent Soblesi, Bleacher Report: C
Jenkins is powerful and stout against the run, but he lacks polish as a pass-rusher, plays sluggish at times and can disappear for stretches.
D.J. Reader’s departure left a massive void along the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive interior. Jenkins has the size and strength to play a similar role, though he’s much further behind when it comes to the technique and consistency necessary to eventually reach that level.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: B
After taking Amarius Mims in the first round and Jenkins to start Day 2, Cincinnati is heavily banking on its coaching staff to bring the best out of its new developmental options.
The Bengals’ run defense was a sore spot last season, allowing 126.8 yards per game on the ground. Stout and forceful, the 6-3, 300-pound Jenkins can help the Bengals better control the line of scrimmage.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: A
The Bengals got the kind of the tackle they wanted through this positional run as he provides some explosive inside pass rush while also developing to be a true stout force vs. the run.
Yahoo Sports: C+
Jenkins is a solid defensive lineman who can play all over the line, but might not be a true standout at any position. Still, Jenkins has the talent and opportunity to develop into a steady presence for the Bengals.
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: B+
This is a good value pick for the Bengals, going for athletic upside and NFL size on the interior. Jenkins is smart on the inside and knows how to deconstruct blocks. He’s a powerful player and will win on the interior for the Bengals. Pass rush production is really limited.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: A-
Case for the best run defender in the class at DT. Minimal pass-rush ability because of average-ish burst. Strong, block-shedding ability. High-floor without much upside but exactly what Cincinnati needs on the defense.
