Another important member of the Michigan Wolverines’ 2023–24 National Championship-winning squad is set to depart.

The Michigan Wolverines lost two of their best players in the 2024 NFL Draft class: Junior Colson and Zach Zinter. Both players are expected to be selected early in the draft. Other offensive weapons were also lost to the transfer portal. It appears that another high-profile player is on Michigan’s exit list.

What Does Kris Jenkins Mean To The Michigan Wolverines?

A tough Michigan defense that consistently outplayed the Ohio State Buckeyes in three consecutive The Games featured Kris Jenkins as a key player.

However, he and those around him seem to think he is prepared for the next step to the professional level, as evidenced by his decision to join the NFL, where he is regarded as a possible first round pick.

We’ll have to wait and see if the National Champion can continue to have success in his next phase of his hopefully lengthy career.

READ  ALSO:

Kris Jenkins headed to NFL Draft

Kris Jenkins hasn’t played in the NFL for 13 seasons, but that will soon change in April.

Following the announcements of offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson and edge rusher Jaylen Harrell earlier in the day, Jenkins became the fifth member of the Michigan football team to declare when he made the announcement to ESPN on Friday. Jenkins, a senior defensive tackle with a personality as significant as his impact in the trenches, is projected by ESPN to be selected in the top 50.

Ranking No. 6 on Bruce Feldman’s list of freaks due to his strength and athleticism, Jenkins developed into a vital member of the Wolverines’ defensive tackle rotation and an outspoken leader as the team went on to win a national championship. He racked up 113 tackles with 4.5 sacks in his career. In September, he also intercepted a pass intended for Bowling Green and almost returned it for a touchdown.

Due to those qualities, Jenkins was considered for the NFL Draft during the previous season, but he decided to return for a second chance at a national championship. After Michigan’s victory on Monday, it is not surprising that Jenkins has decided to pursue a career in business.

Jenkins’ name isn’t the first to appear in the draft. In the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Kris Jenkins Sr. was selected by the Carolina Panthers. The older Jenkins was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle during his ten-year career.

Given that he played the most snaps of any defensive tackle on the team, the younger Jenkins’ production will be missed by the Wolverines defensive tackle group. But throughout the season, its two gifted sophomores, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, demonstrated that they could manage heavier workloads. Though the depth of the team will be lacking with a player as talented as Jenkins, Michigan can still rely on them to deliver next season.

Jenkins is pursuing his NFL dream, much like his father did. And by signing up for the draft, he’s followed the first step.