Chicago Bears Round 2, Pick No. 39 via CAR
Ryan Pace, you sly dog. The player that was constantly mocked to the Chicago Bears at 20th overall somehow fell this far. Pace did not care. He traded up again to secure yet again another steal. This time, Pace sent the Panthers picks no. 52, 83, and 204 and got in return picks no. 39 and 151. Jenkins graded out as my sixth-best offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Teven Jenkins said it in his interview and I’ll reiterate it: he plays mean, nasty football and he prides himself on asserting his dominance over opposing defenders. He describes his own play as tough, physical, and nasty and he does not shy away from getting physical. His film displays just that as there are plenty of highlights of him just burying opposing defenders in the Big 12 and him constantly looking for work. A hard worker and a well-liked player will fit in well in Chicago.
Now, the Bears got their starting offensive tackle to protect Justin Fields. If you would have told me that the Bears would secure both Jenkins and Fields in this draft, I would have called you crazy. The Bears now have their offensive tackle of the future who will likely stay on the right side but may have the ability to play the left side as well. In addition to keeping Fields upright, he will open up plenty of holes for Montgomery to maneuver through.
Grade: A+
The Bears got the much-needed protection in Jenkins for their new quarterback Justin Fields. An absolute steal and the trade to move up and get him was completely warranted.