Another Kris Jenkins in Carolina? Looking at the Day 2 Draft Target

A familiar name, yet a different face could be someone of interest for the Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

If you watched the first day of the 2024 NFL Combine, you might have had some nostalgia kick in watching Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins Jr., the son of former Carolina Panther Kris Jenkins Sr. 

The projected second round pick put on a show, posting the fifth-fastest 10-yard split and the third-most reps on the bench press.

Jenkins caught up with Kimmi Chex of NFL Network following his performance on the field in Indianapolis.

"I felt great, especially after that second rep running. I felt like I did some good stuff. I wouldn't say I had a perfect day but it was amazing to get to show my skills, my stuff and work with a lot of amazing freak athletes. I've loved every second of it."

Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan spent his entire playing career as teammates with Kris Jenkins Sr. in Carolina from 2001-07. The theme of Morgan's introductory press conference last month was about finding "dogs" and it's no surprise that Jenkins Sr.'s advice to his son aligned with the type of player that Morgan wants.

"He told me to be a dog. That's the advice that he's always given me - be a dog, be myself. If you've watched my dad if you watched my uncle, you know they're legendary defensive tackles, best in the business. I'm lucky to have them as mentors as a dad and a uncle for me and just looking forward to making a name for myself as well."

Scouting report by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com

"Possesses rare pedigree with a college football national title under his belt and a father who was a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Jenkins has a smaller frame for his position, but he plays with good strength in one-on-one power swaps. He can neutralize single blocks but has trouble fighting back to muddy his gap against double-teams. His motor stays engaged. He’s frequently running down ball-carriers and chasing quarterbacks by the end of the play. Jenkins flashes more rush talent than his sack production would indicate, but he still needs to work on developing more go-to moves to pair with his spin counter. Jenkins isn’t a natural two-gapper, but he can play upfield or read-and-react football on the next level as an eventual starter capable of creating disruptions."

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