Chicago Bears: The curious case of Teven Jenkins

Before Justin Fields was a reality for Chicago Bears fans in the 2021 NFL Draft, fans had their sights set on several various prospects in that draft class. Quarterback was the number one need that offseason, but where the Bears were currently sitting at (No. 20 before the trade up) it was near impossible for any of those top quarterbacks to fall that far.

If it were not possible that the Bears would land a quarterback in that draft, the next position the fan base clamored for was at offensive tackle. The tackle position was considered deep that year with potential starters going far into the second round.

However, the prospect name you kept hearing amongst the fan base was Teven Jenkins, the former Oklahoma State standout. Fans had their issues with the current left tackle at that time, Charles Leno Jr, mainly because of his tendency to not play with a certain toughness fans expected from a starting tackle.

Not only that, but the Bears also had uncertainty at the position altogether. Along with their doubts with Leno, the Bears had a revolving door at right tackle.

With an obvious need, the Bears shocked the fan base by trading up for Justin Fields, with the move from 20 to 11. The Bears did not stop there as they traded up in the second round to select Jenkins. Former Bears GM Ryan Pace picked Fields and Jenkins with the vision that he felt that he got his franchise quarterback and left tackle of the future. Unfortunately, we might be concluding on the latter.

Teven Jenkins’ future with the Chicago Bears is suddenly cloudy

With the guy that was responsible for bringing him to Chicago getting fired, Jenkins’ future with the Bears is currently up in the air. Right now, he is embroiled in a camp battle with his 2021 draft class teammate Larry Borom — a camp battle that he is currently losing with him being on the second team at right tackle. It also does not help that Jenkins has missed the last two practices with an undisclosed illness.

This new regime has already stated that they will play the best players regardless of prior status. There have been so many examples of this throughout this offseason with this club. Jenkins is one of the more glaring examples of draft status meaning truly little versus performance on the practice field. You can look at it as the team trying to challenge Jenkins, but other players are just simply performing better.  

It is not over just yet for Jenkins especially with the players not being in full pads just yet. Players practice in those next week Tuesday, and honestly that will give you a clear idea of who will be the Bears best five on the offensive line. Jenkins’ game has never been centered around athleticism and agility, but more strength and power. Practicing in full pads and live contact being allowed should only benefit a player like Jenkins.

The reality is that Jenkins is in a make-or-break year with the Bears. Those practices starting Tuesday along with preseason games will be some of the most important dates of Jenkins career. When the pads come on, Jenkins is going to have to remind folks of why he was once considered a first-round prospect back in 2021.