Jaylen Harrell, Kris Jenkins Declare For NFL Draft

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Brandon Brown | Last updated Jan 13, 2024 5:20 PM ET

In a couple of not so surprising developments, Michigan defensive linemen Kris Jenkins and Jaylen Harrell have both announced their plans to enter the NFL Draft.

Jaylen Harrell

Harrell is a very interesting prospect. The 6-4, 242-pounder led Michigan with 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss this season as he started all 14 games for the Wolverines on a very competitive D-line with a lot of rotations.

Harrell possesses a great combination of size, speed, athleticism, versatility and experience as he gets ready to head off to the next level. During his time at Michigan he has played with his hand in the dirt, in a two-point stance, during plenty of twists and stunts and as a one-on-one pass rusher. He has also added dropping into coverage as a part of his game that he's actually quite good at. He should be able to play in any kind of defense in today's NFL but projects best to a 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker/EDGE rusher.

Kris Jenkins

To Michigan,

Thank you for Everything pic.twitter.com/nDdDirajPz
— Kris Jenkins (@KrisJenkinsJr1) January 13, 2024

Jenkins is one of the highest-rated Wolverines heading into the draft with as a top-five prospect at defensive tackle, ranking No. 4 at the position according to ESPN’s Matt Miller and Field Yates. He's likely to be taken sometime during day two of the draft.

Jenkins is a two-time all-Big Ten selection and just finished Michigan’s national championship season with 36 tackles (four for loss), an interception, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery. He's also a consummate worker and teammate with an incredible personality and approach to his craft. Not only is he immensely talented and versatile, he would be an A+ addition to any locker room.

This article first appeared on Michigan Wolverines on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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