Teven Jenkins was viewed by many as a 1st round prospect going into the draft. Including the Chicago Bears. So it was a surprise when he fell to the 2nd round. Not that anybody at Halas Hall is complaining. They’re so confident in the young Oklahoma State standout that they immediately decided to shift him from his usual position of right tackle over to left tackle. They even cut longtime starter Charles Leno Jr. to do it.
So it’s pretty clear they have high expectations for him. Physically speaking Jenkins has almost all the tools. Big, strong, and much more athletic than people realize. His primary focus coming into the NFL was fortifying his technique. Something that was really a huge point of emphasis in college. That is why his first introduction to Juan Castillo was a bit of a revelation.
The Bears offensive line coach wasted little time educating him.
During an interview with Bears All Access, Jenkins revealed that Castillo has already taught him things from a technique standpoint he didn’t even realize were things. His inventory of moves has already expanded far beyond anything he expected. A firm reminder that his position is far more complex than many realize. Also that Castillo is a student of the game who has been doing this for over two decades.
The Bears knew the final hurdle from the moment they drafted Jenkins last month. His problems had nothing to do with ability. Power? Quickness? Size? Athleticism? He has it all. The only thing that separated him and NFL success was a strong fundamental base that allowed him to take on the best defensive linemen. It appears the education is already taking hold.
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Teven Jenkins’ education will expand later this summer
Thus far he’s enjoyed an easy transition. Merely going through technical drills and learning however much he can from Castillo. This is merely the first step. The real tests will arrive at the end of July when training camp begins. That is when the Bears will put the pads on and Jenkins will get his first taste of NFL pass rushers when he collides with Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.
Those two more than anybody will be able to teach him about what he is going to face in this league. It figures to be a somewhat rigorous study session. Teven Jenkins will no doubt learn just how important technique is the first time he runs into Mack’s long arm or Quinn’s hand swipe. In truth, the Bears may have picked the perfect time to usher in a new young tackle. Having those two longtime sack artists will prepare him so well.
Having Castillo on top of it?
If this kid is a sponge and listens well, then he is going to do just fine. He and Cody Whitehair have a chance to make a formidable tandem on that left side. One that could be particularly dangerous in the run game. Don’t be surprised if David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, and that solid backfield have some success later in the season.