Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Jenkins spent four seasons with the Wolverines, making 44 appearances and 32 starts. Jenkins was a pivotal piece to Michigan’s national championship run this season, tallying 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception.
Jenkins recorded two tackles in Michigan’s win over Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship. He anchored Michigan’s defense this season, which allowed only 247 yards per game, the least in the nation.
In four years with the Wolverines, Jenkins amassed 112 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. Jenkins is the No. 5 defensive tackle in the NFL Draft, according to Mel Kiper’s Big Board.
“After everything this season and being blessed to be part of such an amazing team and season and being able to accomplish everything we wanted from Michigan,” Jenkins told ESPN. “For me, it’s the perfect time to move onto the next level to see what it has in store for me.”
Jenkins will leave Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining. He told ESPN he will finish his degree this spring.
More on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.
The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.
Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.
The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.
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