Michigan football: Kris Jenkins a first-rounder in 2024 NFL mock draft
Michigan football projects to be loaded this season, which will pay dividends on the field in 2023 and for teams making their picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the latest mock released by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the Wolverines are represented by defensive lineman Kris Jenkins.
Jenkins is selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 21 overall pick in Reid’s mock draft.
“The Chargers’ run defense surrendered a league-high 5.4 yards per carry last season, and the front seven lacks depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack,” Reid writes for ESPN. “Jenkins is expected to make a significant leap in his development, and while he is still filling out his 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame, his movement skills and first-step quickness are really solid. His performance against Ohio State (seven tackles, three pressures) provided a glimpse of his upside.”
Jenkins is expected to be one of Michigan’s best players this season and a potential team captain. He started all 14 games at defensive tackle in 2022 and led all lineman on the team with 54 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pair of quarterback hurries on the season. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media.
Jenkins could soon join former teammate Mazi Smith as a first round selection at defensive tackle. Smith was taken with the No. 25 overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Michigan rivals in the ESPN mock
Michigan’s rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes, was well-represented in the mock with five first round selections, headlined by star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 2 overall. Penn State had three first-round picks in the mock scenario.
Other Big Ten draftees in Reid’s mock included:
- Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. – No. 2 overall, Arizona Cardinals
- Penn State offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu – No. 4 overall, Indianapolis Colts
- Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka – No. 11 overall, Chicago Bears
- Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau – No. 16 overall, Denver Broncos
- Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. – No. 17 overall, Houston Texans
- Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson – No. 18 overall, Miami Dolphins
- Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton – No. 19 overall, Seattle Seahawks
- Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson – No. 21 overall, Minnesota Vikings
- Penn State cornerback Kalen King – No. 25 overall, Detroit Lions
Michigan will play Penn State on Nov. 11 in Happy Valley and host Ohio State at home on Nov. 25 to close out the regular season. Time will tell how PSU and OSU’s talent stacks up to the Wolverines, who bring back one of the most loaded rosters in the country ahead of the 2023 season.
