What once felt like a long-shot (in what figured to be a lost rookie year), has become a distinct possibility. Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ 2021 second-round offensive lineman, could still suit up for Chicago this season.
But where will he play? The Bears signed Jason Peters to play left tackle, which has turned out well to this point. And on the other side of the line, fellow rookie Larry Borom is manning the right tackle spot. It’s a small sample size of two starts, but the early returns have been more positive than not.
Well, meeting with reporters on Monday afternoon, Chicago Bears Offensive Line Coach Juan Castillo gave an inkling as to where Jenkins fits on the line:
Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo said the team plans to alternate Teven Jenkins between left and right tackle during practice.
Jenkins worked at left tackle today, which he has told Castillo is now his more comfortable position despite playing right tackle in college.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 15, 2021
The Bears plan on giving Jenkins practice reps at left and right tackle. How many reps and with which unit is unknown, but there is value in gaining experience at different positions along the line. Versatility is king, after all. But how could all of this work? The Bears’ offensive line has been trending in a better direction in recent games. And it’s not like they should be throwing Jenkins to the wolves upon his debut. So, let’s sort this out.
Save for the debacle against the Browns, Peters has been the team’s best and most consistent performing offensive lineman (he’s got PFFs 19th best grade among the 79 qualified offensive tackles). His pass-blocking grade is 26th best among tackles, while his run-blocking is 17th best at the position. Even at age 39, Peters is getting it done. And because there is value in securing Justin Fields’ blindside, I’m not ready to push Peters aside.
And that’s even at the expense of getting Jenkins more time at the position he figures to play most in the years to come. Because if I had to decide between knowing what Peters provides as an above average tackle and the unknown of a player who is making his debut after missing an extended period due to a back injury, I’d rather be safe than sorry for the short term.
On the other side of the line, the Bears seem to really like Larry Borom. They liked him enough to put him in at left tackle when Peters went down in Week 1. And they thought enough of him to insert him into the starting lineup at right tackle upon his return from IR in Week 8. Depending on how well Borom plays at the position, it could impact both Jenkins and Germain Ifedi. Remember him?
Where Ifedi fits in this plan. Ifedi has been on IR (knee) since Week 6, and has not been designated for a return. Although he is in his second year with the team, Ifedi is on a one-year contract. The Bears could easily prioritize getting development snaps and reps for Borom and Jenkins ahead of a player like Ifedi, especially since he is out with an injury right now. That would probably be the best move for this team. Let the kids play! and all that good stuff.
Nevertheless, the important takeaway here is that the Bears aren’t going to try and fidget with him at positions he isn’t familiar with as he tries to make his way into the lineup. Jenkins was a stellar right tackle at Oklahoma State. And upon arrival in Chicago, the Bears have been grooming him to play left tackle. Don’t rock the boat if it’s unnecessary.