NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears are approaching what might be GM Ryan Pace’s most important draft. It could also very well be his last. With holes to fill throughout the roster and eight picks at his disposal, Pace sets out on a weekend in search of impact talent and players with upside. With all eyes on the 2021 NFL Draft, let’s check out some of the more promising draft-eligible prospects who have been rumored to be persons of interest.
Previous targets: QB Justin Fields
Today: Teven Bradlee Jenkins, offensive tackle, Oklahoma State
Performance, Rankings, Accomplishments
• Measurements: 6-6, 317 pounds, 33.5-inch arms, 9.5-inch hands
• 2020 stats: 7 games (six starts at right tackle, one at left tackle)
• Career stats: The most fun fact I’ve found on Jenkins:
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1382846199883976706
• Accomplishments: First-team All-Big 12 (2020), Honorable mention All-Big 12 (2018, 2019), Senior Bowl (invitation)
• Position ranking: 4th (ESPN), 6th (Pro Football Focus), 4th (The Draft Network), 3rd (Pro Football Network)
The NFL.com Draft Profile Says…
“(Jenkins) can be an intolerant run blocker, looking to finish and bury his opponent once he gets his block locked and center.”
You can read the full profile here.
Bears Connection
Mel Kiper Jr.’s first (and most recent) drafts have sent Jenkins to Chicago. And there have been a bunch in between that link the Bears with the talented Oklahoma State tackle. And with good reason. Jenkins has size, good tape, and the right attitude to make an impact upon arrival.
Highlights
Teven Jenkins is a bully. #NFLDraft #NFLTwitter #CollegeFootball #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/PRFH5awVTs
— 3rd And 20 (@3rdand20_) April 12, 2021
Love watching Film while having some sushi and a cold brew. TevenJenkins always going for the kill shot lol pic.twitter.com/Pdll92xvq7
— RealBucsTalk (@RealBucsTalk) April 14, 2021
One of my favorite things is coming to draft stuff way late to the party knowing nothing.
I now know one thing after reviewing one game: if Teven Jenkins always plays this mean I'm in love. (RT) pic.twitter.com/zno6TVeAqP
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 15, 2021
Where’s the Fit?
The performance of the Bears’ offensive line mirrored the overall team performance in 2020.
A unit featuring Charles Leno Jr., James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Germain Ifedi, and Bobby Massie got things going on the right foot early in the season. It was a group that held its own in protecting Mitchell Trubisky and clearing rush lanes for David Montgomery and others. But when injuries took Daniels and Massie out of the lineup, things went south quickly. After the bye, an influx of new bodies helped Chicago finish strong. All things considered, the Bears could stand to add multiple linemen through the draft.
If the Bears don’t move up to take one of the top-5 quarterbacks, standing pat and taking the best offensive lineman available could be the right move. And Jenkins could very well be the perfect fit. Jenkins projects as a starting right tackle, but could slide inside to guard depending on the situation. That Jenkins has experience at left tackle makes him that much more intriguing as a prospect. No matter what position he lands on, Jenkins figures to be an immediate starter. More importantly, the expectation would be that Jenkins presents a clear upgrade from what is currently on the roster.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein describes Jenkins as “an intolerant run blocker” in his Draft profile, giving him a favorable comparison to two-time Super Bowl champion Joe Thuney. Eric Edholm (Yahoo! Sports) uses “mauling” and “road grader” as descriptive terms for an “aggressive, competitive finisher” who “loves to deliver knockout blows” to opponents. In other words, Jenkins plays with an edge that has been missing from Chicago’s offensive line for a while. So … where do I sign up?
