Michigan's Kris Jenkins Declares for 2024 NFL Draft; B/R's No. 9 DL

Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins has declared for the 2024 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

In 15 games throughout the 2023 season, Jenkins recorded 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded the first interception of his college career during the Wolverines' 31-6 win over Bowling Green in Week 3.

He currently ranks as the No. 9 defensive lineman prospect in the 2024 class on Bleacher Report's latest big board.

He also holds the No. 77 spot among all players. Jenkins is excellent against the run, routinely finishing tackles while engaged with opposing offensive lineman. He's made strides as a pass-rusher as well. Jenkins played a notable role during the Wolverines' recent title run, recording a sack against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between the two schools.

"After everything this season and being blessed to be part of such an amazing team and season and being able to accomplish everything we wanted from Michigan," Jenkins said, per Thamel. "For me, it's the perfect time to move onto the next level to see what it has in store for me."

The 22-year-old has received high praise from Wolverines defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who spent time in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 2017 through 2020.

"Kris has been obsessed with being better as a pass rusher since the day he stepped back here on campus," Minter told reporters prior to the start of the 2023 season, per Sports Illustrated's Brandon Brown. "And it's showing up — he's moving really well. He's still the same player against the run but with 20 extra pounds."

While an NFL team will be happy to select Jenkins in April, Michigan loses a valuable piece of its dominant defensive line.