Bears: Emerging standout cracks exclusive list from PFF
One great thing about fielding a team full of young starters is that it doesn’t take long to find out just who is built to produce at the NFL level. That’s exactly how the Chicago Bears came to realize that they have something special in Teven Jenkins. Jenkins struggled as a rookie in 2021. The […]
One great thing about fielding a team full of young starters is that it doesn’t take long to find out just who is built to produce at the NFL level. That’s exactly how the Chicago Bears came to realize that they have something special in Teven Jenkins.
Jenkins struggled as a rookie in 2021. The second-round pick out of Oklahoma State was drafted to play offensive tackle for the Bears, but has found a more comfortable role after kicking inside to the guard position.
Jenkins was one of the few bright spots on the Bears’ offensive line in 2022, registering 11 starts in 13 games. His progress and development was constantly on display, especially as one of the league’s top run-blockers.
It wasn’t just Bears fans who noticed the improvement from Jenkins, either. Pro Football Focus recently named Chicago’s starting left guard to their 2023 All-Breakout Team.
From PFF: As a rookie second-round tackle in 2021, Jenkins didn’t make his NFL debut until Week 14 and had a lot of struggles, finishing with a 47.5 offensive grade, a 62.7 run-blocking grade and a 54.6 pass-blocking grade. He kicked inside to guard in 2022, and his performance improved dramatically, as he put up an 80.7 offensive grade, a 82.2 run-blocking grade and a 65.9 pass-blocking grade. With a full season as a guard under his belt, look for Jenkins to continue to make strides toward becoming one of the top linemen in the league.
The best offensive lines in football are typically the ones that have spent the most time together. While Chicago improved its offensive line by adding RG Nate Davis and first-round pick LT Darnell Wright, it will likely take time for the group to gel together as one cohesive unit.
With that being said, Jenkins is already one step ahead of the game. If the third-year guard can pick up where he left off, Justin Fields’ jersey will be much more clean throughout the season. He also stands to play a major role as running backs D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are already licking their chops at the opportunity to run behind a true road grader in Jenkins.
Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
