Chicago Bears: 5 most consistent players during 2018 NFL Preseason

Defensive Lineman John Jenkins

If you have not paid close enough attention to John Jenkins throughout the month of August, that’s unfortunate. For starters, he has had a solid training camp. He’s looked like one of the best defensive linemen on the practice field a lot of the time, both according to practices I have personally seen and from other reports of those who were there as well.

Then, you look at his play over the preseason, and he immediately jumps off the screen. Jenkins has not only lined up behind Eddie Goldman at nose tackle, but he has also played the five-technique a bit — and he’s played it well.

The thing Jenkins presents is exactly what the Bears envisioned in rookie Bilal Nichols — versatility. They had said all along Nichols would be learning both spots, like Jenkins.

Jenkins has been a run stuffer and has looked fairly strong in all facets of his job, quite frankly. He has looked so good that it makes me wonder if Vic Fangio tries to play him at the end position opposite of Akiem Hicks. Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris are both guys who live and die by the phrase, “He has flashed,” but still haven’t proven themselves as a starter.

Jenkins should make this team, but not only that, he deserves time on the field in the regular season. I think he gets that as well.