Yes, we have a DAY 2 MOCK DRAFT!!! NFL Network and NFL.com Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein put out a Day 2 Mock Draft this morning, and with the 55th pick, he has Miami selecting…
Round 2, Pick #55: Kris Jenkins, DT – Michigan
“Jenkins’ game is somewhat similar to Christian Wilkins‘, which could help soften the blow of the stud defensive tackle’s departure in free agency.”
Possesses rare pedigree with a college football national title under his belt and a father who was a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Jenkins has a smaller frame for his position, but he plays with good strength in one-on-one power swaps. He can neutralize single blocks but has trouble fighting back to muddy his gap against double-teams. His motor stays engaged. He’s frequently running down ball-carriers and chasing quarterbacks by the end of the play. Jenkins flashes more rush talent than his sack production would indicate, but he still needs to work on developing more go-to moves to pair with his spin counter. Jenkins isn’t a natural two-gapper, but he can play upfield or read-and-react football on the next level as an eventual starter capable of creating disruptions.
Kris Jenkins, the Michigan Wolverines defensive end, carries a notable legacy in football, being the son of Kris Jenkins Sr., a dominant 4-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Panthers and Jets. Born in Olney, MD, he attended Our Lady Good Counsel High School, where he earned a 3-star recruiting ranking from 247 Sports before committing to the University of Michigan. Starting his collegiate career in 2020, Jenkins redshirted his first year, then made his first career start in the 2021 season, becoming a full-time starter by 2022.
Throughout his time at Michigan, Jenkins has shown steady growth and involvement in the team’s defensive strategies. In his freshman year, he played in one game, participating in three snaps. By his sophomore year, he had significantly increased his presence on the field, playing in 13 games with 175 snaps, recording 16 tackles and contributing to the pass rush with 4 total pressures. His junior year marked further improvement, with Jenkins participating in 481 snaps across 13 games, amassing 40 tackles, 19 total pressures, including 2 sacks.
In his senior year, Jenkins continued to be a regular feature in the Wolverines’ defense, playing in 13 games and logging 344 snaps. He added 27 tackles and 15 total pressures to his college career stats, further establishing himself as a key player in Michigan’s defensive line-up.
Jenkins, born on October 10, 2001, has managed to stay clear of major injuries throughout his college career. His physical attributes and gameplay reflect the foundational understanding of trench play, likely influenced by his father’s successful NFL career. Jenkins has not only continued the family legacy in football but also adapted it to his own style, showing potential in various defensive roles and techniques. His performance at Michigan, marked by consistent growth and increasing impact on the field, sets the stage for his future endeavors in football.
Kris Jenkins from Michigan is catching eyes as a potential NFL draft pick, especially for teams looking for muscle on the defensive line. He’s solid against the run, really holding his spot in the B-gap, and his athletic ability stands out. But to climb up in the draft, he needs to boost his pass rush game. As of now, he’s shaping up as a Day 2 kind of pick – strong and athletic against the run, but still needs to prove himself more against the pass.
In the trenches, Jenkins’ physical strength and athletic prowess are clear. He can take on double-teams and still disrupt plays, a testament to his athleticism and power. But, when it comes to getting after quarterbacks, he’s got room to grow. His quickness off the snap and a wider range of moves could really amp up his game. Jenkins isn’t the full package just yet, but his combination of raw strength and athletic potential makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to beef up their defensive line.
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