Kris Jenkins: The Bengals’ Secret Weapon Waiting to Break Out
When you look at the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line heading into the season, one thing is certain—B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton are the anchors in the middle. Those two have cemented themselves as the starting defensive tackles, and there’s no debate there. But what happens after them? That’s where things start to get really interesting.
The Bengals aren’t just looking for depth; they’re searching for someone who can bring a spark, a disruptor who can make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable and stop rushing attacks before they ever get started. Enter Kris Jenkins—the name buzzing around training camp and someone who might be the missing puzzle piece for Cincinnati’s defensive front.
From Broken Thumb to Breakout Year?
Let’s rewind for a second. Last season, Jenkins didn’t exactly get the rookie year he envisioned. A broken thumb slowed his momentum and limited his impact, which is tough for any player, especially a defensive tackle who thrives on power and hand technique.
Even with that setback, he still managed to post 31 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks across 15 games, including nine starts. Not bad at all for a rookie who wasn’t fully unleashed. Imagine what he could’ve done with a healthy hand and a full season of confidence.
Now, Jenkins is back at 100%, and reports out of camp suggest he’s flashing the same disruptive ability that made him a standout at Michigan. Healthy and hungry—that’s a dangerous combination for opposing offensive lines.
Michigan Roots and a Championship Pedigree
If you watched Michigan’s national championship run in 2024, you already know what kind of player Jenkins can be. He wasn’t just another body on the line—he was a force. 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and even an interception in 15 games. That stat line doesn’t just happen by luck. It takes awareness, strength, and the kind of motor coaches drool over.
Michigan leaned on Jenkins to clog running lanes and collapse pockets, and he delivered. He’s got that blend of power and agility that translates perfectly to the NFL. And for a Bengals team that’s trying to establish a tougher defensive identity, Jenkins brings exactly that grit.
The Bengals’ Snap Dilemma
Here’s the catch: defensive tackle rotations can be tricky. Last season, B.J. Hill logged 62.4% of defensive snaps, which tells you how much the coaching staff leaned on him. Jenkins, in comparison, played about 44% of the snaps, while no other defensive tackle on the roster even cracked 30%.
That number—44%—could skyrocket this year. Why? Because Jenkins is no longer the rookie learning the ropes. He’s in a spot where the Bengals almost need him to step up, especially with depth being such a question mark behind Hill and Slaton.
Think of it this way: if Jenkins can elevate his game and prove he can handle 55-60% of the snaps, the Bengals suddenly have a defensive line rotation that can stay fresh deep into games. That’s when turnovers happen. That’s when sacks turn into game-changers.
What Makes Jenkins Different?
Here’s where Kris Jenkins separates himself from being “just another guy.”
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Versatility – He’s not a one-dimensional space-eater. Jenkins can plug the run and collapse the pocket, giving him the ability to stay on the field in different situations.
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Motor – Coaches rave about players who don’t take plays off. Jenkins has that relentless push in him, even late in the fourth quarter.
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Upside – At just the start of his career, he’s got room to grow into a dominant presence. Think about how scary that could be if he takes even a modest leap forward.
When you mix in his championship experience from Michigan, you’re not just getting a young player—you’re getting a guy who knows how to win.
Why the Bengals Need Him
Let’s be real: if Cincinnati wants to be a contender, they can’t afford a drop-off when Hill or Slaton step off the field. Defensive tackle depth has been an issue, and Jenkins could be the guy who fills that void.
The AFC is loaded with quarterbacks who thrive when they’re comfortable—Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow (when healthy), just to name a few. The Bengals need guys who can disrupt timing and wreck pockets from the inside.
Jenkins has the tools to be that kind of difference-maker. The question is whether he can stay healthy and consistent long enough to seize that role.
The Season Outlook
Heading into the season, Jenkins is poised to be more than just a rotational body. The Bengals’ staff knows they have something special—they just need to unleash him. If he continues to flash during camp and carries that momentum into September, don’t be surprised if he earns a bigger workload quickly.
This isn’t about replacing Hill or Slaton. It’s about creating a three-headed monster on the interior that keeps offensive coordinators awake at night. With Jenkins in the mix, the Bengals’ defensive line suddenly has a higher ceiling.
Key Things to Watch With Jenkins
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Health: Can he stay on the field for all 17 games?
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Snap Count: Does his percentage rise from 44% to something closer to Hill’s 62%?
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Production: Will he improve on his three sacks from last year and become more of a consistent threat?
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Consistency: Can he bring the same energy in Week 15 that he does in Week 1?
If the answers lean positive, we might be talking about Jenkins as one of the NFL’s biggest second-year breakouts.
Final Take
Every year, there’s that one player who goes from “solid contributor” to “household name.” For the Bengals, Kris Jenkins has all the makings of being that guy in 2025. He’s strong, versatile, and hungry after a frustrating rookie season.
The Bengals have their starters locked in, but it’s the depth and rotation that often decide games in the trenches. Jenkins is in the perfect position to prove he’s not just a backup plan—he’s a difference-maker.
Cincinnati might have found its X-factor right in the middle of their defensive line. And if Jenkins delivers, don’t be shocked if the Bengals’ defense starts getting a lot more attention this season.
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