Michigan's Kris Jenkins, Mike Sainristil go back-to-back in second round of NFL draft

DETROIT — Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and defensive back Mike Sainristil, key pieces to Michigan’s top-rated defense that helped lead the program to the 2023 national championship, were selected back-to-back in the second round of the NFL draft.

Jenkins, known as “The Mutant” at Michigan, was made the 49th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, while Sainristil went to Washington with the 50th pick.

Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy was taken in the first round by Minnesota with the 10th overall selection on Thursday.

Last season, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Jenkins was a captain and the Wolverines’ co-Defensive Player of the Year. He was second-team All-Big Ten and had 37 tackles, including 4 1/2 for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery last season.

Jenkins’s father, Kris, was a 10-year NFL defensive tackle and four-time All-Pro.

“He doesn't make a ton of plays, but it's not really what's asked of him quite as much,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said of Kris Jenkins. “He doesn't get a chance to penetrate. It's more play at the point of attack, stack blocks, kind of hold the point there. I want to see just more of him getting in gaps, getting up field, playing on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

“I know he has the rare strength and power, and I know obviously the genes are great when you think about his dad and what a great player he was. By all accounts, great worker, great kid. All that stuff is off the charts. It's just a little tricky because of the playmaking that doesn't pop when you watch him on tape. That being said, I still think he goes somewhere on Day No. 2. I think probably more than likely finds his way into the bottom portion of the second round would be my guess.”

Sainristil, a two-time captain at Michigan who led the team with six interceptions last season, made 36 starts with the Wolverines, with 27 at cornerback and nine at receiver. He spent his first three seasons at receiver before moving to defense, where he distinguished himself.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has called Sainristil as "the best slot cover corner in this draft.” The 5-9, 182-pound Sainristil also forced two fumbles last season, had two sacks and returned two interceptions for scores.

“His instinctiveness, his ability to read and diagnose and just to get in position to make plays is fantastic,” Matt Miller, an ESPN draft analyst, said. “Talk about somebody who outplays his size. You can look at the roster and see what he’s listed at, and you have an expectation of how he’s gonna play completely different than that. He's so physical and does not shy away from the ball ever, whether it be run or pass.”

Initially, there were some concerns about Sainristil’s side. At the NFL combine, he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and had a vertical of 40 inches.

“Earlier in the season, I would get asked about him, and I would say, ‘This is one of my favorite players, but…,’ ” Miller said. "And I feel like the what comes after that ‘but’ is getting a lot smaller because, OK yes, he’s small, but nickel players are so valuable in the NFL right now. Every week for Michigan, that dude was making plays, whether it be in coverage or making big tackles in space. He’s just such an instinctive football player."

In the offseason before the 2023 season, Sainristil spent significant time studying Mike Hilton, a 5-9, 184-pound defensive back with the Bengals. He also has watched film of defensive backs Trent McDuffie, Budda Baker and Kenny Moore. Sainristil also communicated with Hilton via Instagram and asked what he does to disguise blitzes and his timing and received a few tips.

Sainristil describes his style of play as “very instinctual.” He knows how to find the football in the pass game on against the run. He proved that with his six interceptions and two forced fumbles.

“I think everything I do does show up on film, from a guy who's accountable, a guy who shows leadership, I’m a good communicator,” he said. “I think those things right there show up themselves and then the intangible — I'm responsible. You see that because I was a two-time captain. I think I have a very good resume, I think I have a clean slate and I'll be very appreciative of whoever gives me opportunity.”