The Cincinnati Bengals are looking for someone to step up at the defensive tackle position behind starters B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton. This summer may have provided at least one answer in second-year defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr.

There have been plenty of reports providing flashes of Jenkins throughout camp. We’re now hearing more praise from the man running the defense, Al Golden, who said Jenkins had the best camp of any defensive player.

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“I’m really excited about him and his versatility,” Golden said Thursday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway. “He’s become a better pass rusher on early downs. We’re giving him the freedom to do that. He’s strong. He brings energy.”

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Fully healthy, the former Michigan standout is ready to make plenty of noise against opposing offensive lines. Jenkins played through a broken thumb as a rookie, playing in 15 games but sporting a cast most of the season.

Jenkins played about 45 percent of the defensive snaps in 2024. Expect that number to go up in 2025 as Jenkins takes on a bigger role in the defensive line rotation.

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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ Kris Jenkins named one of best players at camp by Al Golden