Browns 2024 Combine Prep: Defensive Tackle Kris Jenkins
I would be shocked if the Browns went defensive tackle at 54 but if all of the wide receiver options are off the board, the Browns could look to beef up their defensive interior with their first selection in next month's draft.
Last year Cleveland addressed the biggest problem on the team, the interior defensive line. They brought in Dalvin Tomlinson on a long-term contract and signed veterans Maurice Hurst and Shelby Harris.
They also saw improved production from Jordan Elliot, so much so that 2023 third-round pick Siaki Ika saw very limited time.
It's likely the entire trio of Hurst, Harris and Elliot won't all be donning a Browns uniform in 2024 and there's even a chance all three move on, which would leave Cleveland needing to address that position group once again this offseason.
One of the top guy that they could call on the second day of the draft is Kris Jenkins from Michigan.
Jenkins stands at 6'3 and is expected to weigh in north of 300 pounds at the combine. A few of the adjectives that surround the young defensive lineman is powerful, strong, and sturdy. All good things to hear about a potential interior defensive lineman.
Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) celebrates a tackle against Ohio State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Where Jenkins has room for improvement is rushing the passer. The positive for him is that if he is sandwiched between Myles Garrett, Alex Write, potentially Za'Darius Smith, and any new names, he will not be asked to pressure the quarterback often.
Over his four-year career in Ann Arbor, Jenkins tallied 113 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also hauled in one interception in his senior season. Jenkins posted an impressive forty time of 4.91 earlier in the week, showing off his athleticism as he also had a vertical jump of 30 inches and a broad jump of nine-feet, nine inches.
He is a menace inside and he ends up in Cleveland it fills a need with a player that has a ton of potential at the next level.
