Off the field? Teven Jenkins comes across as a quiet, pleasant individual. He doesn’t raise his voice much. His answers to questions are straightforward and calm. On social media, he seems to project the air of a lovable goof. On the field though? It’s like Bruce Banner transforming into the Incredible Hulk. Jenkins becomes an unstoppable machine who seeks and destroys anybody who dares get in his way.
This is a big reason the Chicago Bears were drawn to him in the first place. They felt their offensive line lacked aggression the past two years. A true tone-setter who loved to bully opponents. Jenkins did that all the time for Oklahoma State. It is a great feeling to have the equivalent of a caged animal eager to be turned loose. Based on his comments last week, the rookie tackle is itching to hit somebody.
“I’m actually very excited to put on pads. It’s been however many months for me and I’ve been missing that sound, missing that feeling, and I’m very excited to get back out there.”
One can understand his frustration.
Over the past month, Jenkins has participated in rookie minicamps, OTAs, and mandatory minicamps. All conducted in helmets and shorts. No physical contact is permitted outside of fundamental work. While that is still important for his development, it is undoubtedly difficult for him. Linemen usually don’t know if they’re getting better until they have a chance to push others around.
He can’t know how good he is or how far he has to go until he’s able to tangle with Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Robert Quinn, and others with pads on. It doesn’t sound like he’s afraid of mixing it up with anybody. That is good. The offensive line needs as much of that as possible going into this season.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Teven Jenkins has a big challenge ahead of him
There is another reason for his sense of urgency too. The fact he’s trying to learn a new position. Most of his college career was spent at right tackle. Only a few games saw him shift over to the left side. Now with Charles Leno Jr. gone, the Bears have made it clear they hope for him to be the long-term replacement. That means every rep he can get over the next couple of months will be crucial in preparing him.
Can he do it? From a power and size standpoint? No issues. Teven Jenkins is also a better athlete than he gets credit for. Oklahoma State had planned to play him at left tackle last season before injuries forced them to shift him back to the right side. He has the tools necessary to play either. Yet due to preconceived notions, a pure right tackle in college is expected to stay that way in the pros.
The Bears don’t agree.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo has high expectations for him. The fact they were willing to cut a decent blocker like Leno to make way for the rookie says a lot. Jenkins himself doesn’t seem perturbed by the challenge. If anything he’s anxious to get going. Here’s hoping that controlled rage he plays with will show up in many positive ways moving forward. The line stands to benefit in the long run if it does.