Michigan Wolverines standout Kris Jenkins would be a great addition to the Denver Broncos defensive line.
A franchise quarterback tops the list of needs for the Denver Broncos this offseason, but they have a whole lot of other work to do in order to get the roster in tip-top shape. One of the biggest areas that needs to be addressed? Defensive line. In my opinion, upgrading their defensive trenches is the second biggest need for the Broncos.
A few days ago they signed Angelo Blackson to a one-year deal. While that might help out their overall depth, they still need to make selections to bolster the immediate and long-term outlook of the position via the 2024 NFL Draft. In fact, Denver is one of the worst teams in the league relative to investing draft capital on upgrading the defensive line.
That’s a trend that needs to change. One player I’d like to see them consider is versatile Michigan standout Kris Jenkins. Let’s take a deeper look at the former Wolverine and see what he would bring to the Mile High City.
Player Profile: Kris Jenkins, DL — Michigan
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 299 pounds | Arm Length: 34” | Hand Size: 9-3/8”
40-Yard Dash: 4.91 seconds | 10-Yard Split: 1.7 seconds | Bench: 29 reps | Vertical: 30”
Statistics at Michigan: 44 games, 33 starts, 59 solo tackles, 59 assisted tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Versatile defensive lineman who played all over the line and was a key cog in Michigan’s success the past several seasons
- Jenkins’ athleticism and talent allowed him to play inside and out, but he is at his best on the interior attacking a single gap or assignment
- Has incredible strength at the point of attack which shows up against the run
- Jenkins was one of the highest-graded run defenders in college football in ‘23
- Battle-tested player who stayed healthy over the course of his collegiate career
- Incredibly impressive against Ohio State, Iowa, Alabama and Washington at the end of the ‘23 season against the toughest competition he faced
- Well-respected teammate (‘23 captain) with a selfless attitude and team-first mentality
- Son of former NFL defensive lineman Kris Jenkins who was All-Pro and Pro-Bowl defensive tackle
Negatives:
- While he has a great first step off the line of scrimmage, he only had average production with respect to rushing the passer and making plays in the backfield
- Would benefit by increasing his arsenal of pass rushing moves
- Needs to improve his technique and must keep his feet moving after initial contact with opposing linemen
- Tape shows some issues getting washed out by double teams
- Would have expected better production given his athleticism, but perhaps that’s partly due to Michigan moving him around so much
Projection: Top 75 selection — Early Third-Round Grade
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Jenkins
Jenkins might not have the size his dad did at defensive tackle, but he is a good prospect in his own right. He loves football, has been around the game his whole life, and is beloved by his teammates. Even better—he was a national champion this past season. That stuff matters.
The Wolverines utilized him in a myriad of ways and he has experience at multiple spots on the line. What’s not to like about that? The Broncos could use that sort of versatility on their defensive front. He would instantly help improve their run defense and would help be a driving force in changing the culture in the locker room.
I feel confident enough in Jenkins’ abilities to have him see a good share of snaps as a rookie in a rotation with a good chance of him being a starter by Year 2 in the National Football League. The Broncos don’t have a selection in the second round, but I feel that Jenkins will go off the board close to when they are picking in the third round at #76 overall. If available, he would be on my short list of desired prospects for them to take at that point in time.
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