Report: Cincinnati Bengals Ink 'Mutant' Second-Round Pick

Cincinnati Bengals Sign Second-Round Pick Kris Jenkins to Rookie Deal

Jenkins was a standout for the Michigan College Football Playoff National Championship run. If you buy into PFF grades, Jenkins logged an 87.2 mark in run defense over the last two seasons, the fifth-best in all of college football. In 2023, he amassed 37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and even hauled in a crucial interception in the win over Bowling Green.

In 2022, Jenkins had a breakout year, logging 54 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and two sacks.

In total, he appeared in 44 games with 33 starts with the Wolverines. In his four CFP appearances, Jenkins anchored the interior defensive line with 15 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack.

He was a Second-Team All-American and Second-Team All-Big honoree in 2023.

Rashad Tatum of Last Word on Sports profiled Jenkins:

Kris Jenkins is a prospect who could be a target for an NFL team looking to boost their run defense. Jenkins is a day-one impact run defender due to his strong base, strength, and awareness. He is a prospect you bring to do your dirty work so your stars can run free and make plays. Jenkins also has underrated quickness and athleticism, signaling there may be some untapped potential as a pass rusher.

He will have to improve his get-off and add pass-rush moves because, right now, he offers little to nothing in that department. My NFL pro comparison was former Colt Grover Stewart. Stewart is a free agent and is about to get a good payday because of stopping the run. Like Jenkins, Stewart only offers a little as a pass rusher but can push the pocket occasionally. If your favorite team drafts Kris Jenkins, you will not be disappointed.

Defensive tackle was a major need in Cincinnati heading into free agency and the draft. They added Sheldon Rankins to pair with B.J. Hill but Jenkins may be the biggest addition. He is a fantastic run defender, an area that the Bengals will need to improve. Even when D.J. Reader was in the game, the Bengals run defense left plenty to be desired in 2023. With their best interior piece now in Detroit, this was a major get.

Jenkins looks to be an integral part of the Bengals’ defensive scheme in 2024.