Teven Jenkins is a three-year starter at Oklahoma State. The former three-star recruit improved every season while starting at both left and right tackle. According to PFF, he played 1,884 snaps at right tackle, and 483 snaps at left tackle. He did not play any snaps inside. With the Chicago Bears having a need at tackle, is Teven Jenkins a fit for what they need? Would he be in play for the first round of the NFL draft?
Positives to Teven Jenkins game
If you do not have all of the time to watch every game of Teven Jenkins do yourself a favor and watch the highlight tape of this right tackle. You will not be disappointed. At his highs, he is a highlight sensation with punishing finishes that send defensive lineman flying through air and crunching to the ground. Joseph Ossai, a highly regarded prospect was a victim of a few impressive finishes. If there is one game to watch it is Jenkins against Texas.
Studying Oklahoma St OT Teven Jenkins. Big fan of his effort/power to finish! pic.twitter.com/1PUH1z0dF7
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) November 11, 2020
Beyond his impressive physical demeanor and finishing power, Jenkins has a quick first step. According to PFF, he has allowed two sacks in his three-year career, and both came in 2018. His combination of burst out of stance, strength, and finishing make him a potential day one starter at right tackle.
Teven Jenkins Areas to Improve
Jenkins can be hit or miss with his quick steps and physical play. At times, he will shoot for his man, and whiff completely, winding up on the ground. If he mistimes his first step, he can knock himself off balance and can give up easy pressure. He also has issues redirecting to inside moves. His change of direction will be one of the bigger questions when the combine and pro days roll around. Jenkins also missed time last season due to back issues.
NFL comparison for Teven Jenkins
Pro Football Focus compared Jenkins to Marcus Cannon, while The Ringer noted that Rob Havensetin is a reminiscent comparison. Both make sense as they are bigger, imposing right tackles who do not have quite the impressive foot speed.
The two comparisons that came to mind when watching Jenkins were Braden Smith and Taylor Lewan. Both play with a serious mean streak. The hot and cold nature that ends up being worth it at the end of the day is similar to Lewan, who has his losses but is still regarded as a stud tackle.
Smith is a tenacious run blocker, who excelled at tackle at Auburn.
Teven Jenkins Fit with Chicago Bears
This one is pretty simple. The Chicago Bears need a right tackle. Bobby Massie has not been healthy in the past two seasons and is over the age apex where we can expect him to continue to play at a high level.
Germain Ifedi will be a free agent again, so whether Massie comes back on a cheaper salary or not, the Bears need a right tackle. Jenkins is a nice fit in that he had pass protected in a quick passing game. His quick pass sets are his best.
Beyond that, he comes in at 23 years old, which may limit his ceiling, but combined with three years of right tackle experience, he should be able to start next season.
It would be a pretty significant upgrade considering the number of right tackles that had to shuffle into the position last season.
Teven Jenkins Round Projection
If the Chicago Bears want to take Jenkins, it will be with their round one pick. While it is not the same impact as a game-changing quarterback, they cannot find that at pick 20. However, Jenkins can change the offense in a big way by improving the line. With James Daniels also back in the mix, we could see an improvement overnight. That could make him worth a first-round pick.