Chicago Bears: Projecting rookie roles for the upcoming season
Teven Jenkins, OT – Chicago Bears
As shocking as it was to get Justin Fields at 11, the Chicago Bears also struck gold with Teven Jenkins at 39. They got themselves a true mauler at the offensive tackle position, and he projects to be the starting blindside blocker this season. The Bears are putting a lot of faith into Jenkins, who has taken the challenge whole-heartedly.
If healthy, Jenkins might play every offensive snap during the season. There is decent depth at the position, so if he struggles on the left side he could move over to right tackle. Either way, I project him to be a yearlong starter on this offensive line. Coaches and fans are going to look for him to become a leader as he learns from guys like Cody Whitehair and James Daniels. From his interviews, I can see he has that mentality and he wants to be great.
Jenkins understands the pressure that will be on him this year. This new-look offense can only go as far as their offensive line will take them. We saw how much poor o-line play hampered the offense last year. Being the projected left tackle starter, Jenkins has a super important role in improving the offensive line and keeping Justin Fields protected.
Larry Borom, OT – Chicago Bears
The Bears doubled down on offensive line picks with the selection of Larry Borom in the fifth round. I thought this was good value for the pick, and he will provide instant depth at tackle and guard. While I do not think he will start to begin the year, I see him being a rotational piece as he fills in for players who miss time. He could also compete with Germain Ifedi and Elijah Wilkinson for the right tackle job.
He is a raw player who has a way to develop still in his technique, but he provides great size and could end up being the starter at right tackle by the end of the year. How great would it be for the Bears to have found their future at the tackle position in this year’s draft?
Right now his role will be as a depth piece, but Nagy has shown the willingness to play rookies if he feels they deserve it. Borom will have to fight and sweat in practice to show the coaches he can be a starter. It will be up to him to find his spot on the line.