Reactions: Cincinnati drafts Kris Jenkins, Michigan defensive tackle, in second round
The Cincinnati Bengals' depth at defensive tackle improved with the 2024 NFL draft second-round selection of Michigan Wolverines' lineman Kris Jenkins Jr. 49th overall.
"The first Michigan player of the night from the defending national champion," NFL Network draft host Rich Eisen said during the broadcast. "Kris Jenkins, whose dad played in this league, is going interestingly to Ohio."
"Some irony there indeed," analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. "If you're a defensive tackle, the nickname you want is 'the Mutant.' That's the nickname you covet, and that's the nickname he earned. Someone that is ultra, ultra powerful. Didn't get as many opportunities to rush. … You could not move him off the line of scrimmage. And he's got a PhD in playing defensive tackle from his father."
"And what I loved, talking with Kris, is that he had a burning desire to leave a legacy of his own, even though he has those bloodlines," analyst Joel Klatt said. "Maybe not the greatest production, but also part of that was their rotation. At Michigan, they had five, six defensive tackles that they were rotating in. A couple of them are going to be first-round picks next year. That's why he didn't get as many snaps. But that's why he developed himself."
Kris Jenkins Jr. gets the call from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
Social media reactions to the Bengals adding Jenkins:
LOVE Kris' energy! Zac makes THE CALL to @KrisJenkinsJr1 @IEL_LLC | 📺: NFL Draft on ESPN/ABC/NFLN pic.twitter.com/zIhB67RKU8
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 27, 2024
Who Dey #Bengals pic.twitter.com/bTzAeHUH9X
— Kris Jenkins (@KrisJenkinsJr1) April 27, 2024
To the man they call "The Mutant", welcome to Cincinnati.@IEL_LLC | 📺: NFL Draft on ESPN/ABC/NFLN pic.twitter.com/jwv34SO41h
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 27, 2024
WITH THE 49TH PICK ➡️ DT @KrisJenkinsJr1 @IEL_LLC | 📺: NFL Draft on ESPN/ABC/NFLN pic.twitter.com/95h5qAWwuv
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 27, 2024
Kris Jenkins: "Let's go. I'm ready."
"I can tell by the aura that the Bengals generate that they're ready to win Super Bowls. I'm ready."— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 27, 2024
Zac Taylor said the wait for Kris Jenkins was similar to the wait for Logan Wilson in 2020. Taylor has often mentioned Wilson as a prime example of the Bengals staring at one name on their board for a long time, hoping he doesn't get picked.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 27, 2024
Zac Taylor said defensive tackle was a priority position, "but we weren't just going to take anyone. Thank goodness Kris was there. He was one we specifically have targeted. You're staring at his name for a really long time."
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 27, 2024
Lou Anarumo on why DT Kris Jenkins a fit in his defense pic.twitter.com/48bSjtPtZk
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) April 27, 2024
Whoa baby. The @Bengals are just getting bigger and stronger in this draft. I love it!! Jenkins is day one pro ready. Can do it all. Gonna be a good hybrid 3rd tech DT and strong side d end. Good Sh.t bengals!!!
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 27, 2024
A lotta strength headed to the @Bengals 💪 Here's @KrisJenkinsJr1 doing a Turkish Get Up with a 170 lb dumbell 👀 (via @brucefeldmancfb)
📺: #NFLDraft on NFL Network/ESPN2/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/LQR70M21Ze— NFL (@NFL) April 27, 2024
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reactions: Cincinnati drafts Michigan DT Kris Jenkins in second round
