2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kris Jenkins

Strengths

• Ranked No. 6 on Feldman's freak list
• Moldable frame with extreme power at his disposal
• Special athleticism for iDL with an impressive ability to contort his body and explode through small gaps in protection
• Effective on stunts and loops that few interior defenders his size can execute effectively
• Gained 50+ pounds since enrolling and added 20 pounds between 2022 and 2023
• Explosive mover vertically and laterally with a violent disposition
• Flashes impressive pass-rush moves with cinder blocks for hands that control point of attack
• Absorbs power with his good leverage at contact
• Possesses core strength to anchor against 1v1 blocks
• Consistently makes plays through blockers

Weaknesses

• Still learning to play iDL and lacks production at the college level
• Feet tend to stall at contact, especially when taking on double teams
• Athleticism doesn't always translate
• Lacks ideal counters and overly relies on power
• Needs to develop more of a plan and continue to build his toolbox
• A little stiff through the hips, limiting his ability to bend to the football
• Doesn't consistently get off the football or win with explosive movements
• Hand technique and timing stand to improve
• Pass-rush technique needs to catch up to his tools

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Kris Jenkins

Jenkins currently has a top-32 grade from our team. At this point, he's one of my favorite players in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Between his size, strength, athletic gifts, and NFL bloodlines, I see a player who hasn't come close to his ceiling. It seems like his frame could mold to fit any number of defensive tackle alignments, but I probably wouldn't ask him to be a nose tackle.

On tape, Jenkins plays with excellent leverage off the snap. He brings immense strength to the table, combined with explosive jolts of energy in his hands and feet. Jenkins shows off freakish athleticism that, with the right coaching, could be harnessed into high-end pass-rush ability. Against the run, he's a problem. You see him consistently play through blockers to get to the football. If he can add some finesse to his play at the next level, his floor is that of an average pass rusher and a plus-run defender.

Jenkins is clearly still learning how to play on the interior. You must remember that he only weighed 240 pounds after high school. That learning curve has impacted his production at the college level and will likely mean a slower start to his NFL career. Additionally, he lacks the counters and pass-rush moves you want to see. Hand usage and plan of attack are two areas he'll need to focus on to reach his potential.

I would LOVE for the Chicago Bears to land Jenkins if they acquire a pick in that range. I see Jenkins as a scheme-diverse player who could play multiple roles on the Bears' interior. Last year, the Bears coaching staff helped Gervon Dexter Sr. develop into a weapon, and I have to believe that Jenkins could follow a similar path. Especially since Jenkins is less of a project than Dexter was.

While I'm skeptical about seeing the Bears invest more Day 2 draft capital on the interior defensive line, they could use an upgrade over Justin Jones. Jenkins fits the profile of a player who could be interchangeable for Matt Eberflus' scheme at the 3-technique and 1-technique spots with significant developmental upside.

Pro Comp: Devonte Wyatt