Kris Jenkins hasn’t played in the NFL for 13 seasons, but that will soon change in April.
Jenkins, the fifth player from the Michigan football team to declare, made the announcement to ESPN on Friday. Earlier in the day, offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson and edge rusher Jaylen Harrell had already declared. According to ESPN, Jenkins, a senior defensive tackle with a personality as enormous as his influence in the trenches, projects to be a top 50 choice.
Jenkins, who was placed No. 6 on Bruce Feldman’s freakish list because of his strength and athleticism, developed into a vital member of the Wolverines’ defensive line rotation and an outspoken leader as they won a national championship. He racked up 113 tackles with 4.5 sacks in his career. In September, he also intercepted a ball intended for Bowling Green and almost returned it for a touchdown.
Due to those qualities, Jenkins was considered for the NFL Draft during the previous season, but he decided to return for a second chance at a national championship. After Michigan’s victory on Monday, it is not unexpected that Jenkins has decided to pursue a career in business.
Jenkins’ name isn’t the first to appear in the draft. In the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Kris Jenkins Sr. was selected by the Carolina Panthers. The older Jenkins was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle during his ten-year career.
Given that he played the most snaps of any defensive tackle on the team, the younger Jenkins’ output will be missed by the Wolverines defensive tackle group. But throughout the season, its two gifted sophomores, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, demonstrated that they could manage heavier workloads. Though the depth of the team will be lacking with a player as talented as Jenkins, Michigan can still rely on them to deliver next season.
Jenkins is pursuing his NFL ambition, much like his father did. And by entering the draft, he’s followed the first step.
After the National Championship game that was just finished, several football players from Michigan have already submitted their draft applications to the NFL. It’s not surprising that a number of the Wolverines are choosing to become pro given how high their draft stock is right now. Kris Jenkins, a defensive lineman, recently entered the debate and told ESPN that there has never been a better moment to advance.
