People often don’t understand how much work scouts and front office people put into draft preparation. It’s kind of crazy. Hours upon hours upon hours of research. Those who do it properly often find they’re able to do something the casual fans can’t. Determine how a draft is going to unfold. Specifically in regards to where the runs on position groups will happen. It was this work that enabled the Chicago Bears to pull off their wild 24-hour double scooping of Justin Fields and Teven Jenkins.

What fans may not realize is the two moves were interconnected. How so? Adam Jahns of The Athletic was told that the Bears’ trade up for Fields in the 1st round came with one important directive. Find a way to preserve their 3rd round pick in the deal. Why? Namely, because their brain trust determined a strong possibility that some really good offensive linemen would be available early in the 2nd round. Linemen worth moving up for. They would need that 3rd rounder if they were going to pursue one of them.

Their pre-draft work — a group effort from Pace, Laine, director of player personnel Josh Lucas, assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly and director of college scouting Mark Sadowski — forecasted that a run on offensive linemen was looming in the second round.

They didn’t want to be merely part of it — it was important that they get out in front of it…

…“We had a range we felt it would go,” Pace said. “This draft was a little top-heavy. There were less players in this draft than previous years. We were aware of that.”

The expected run began with the 37th pick, as the Eagles selected Alabama center Landon Dickerson. It then became time for the Bears to move up. Again.

The big shock for Chicago was Jenkins.

GM Ryan Pace revealed that they had a 1st round grade on the Oklahoma State tackle. As did the majority of draft experts going into the weekend. For him to slip to the late 30s in the 2nd round was hard to understand. That made their next decision easy. Once they knew the run had started and Jenkins was still available, they began making calls. The Carolina Panthers at #39 were open to a deal. The Bears sent them their 3rd round pick and an additional 6th for that pick and the Panthers’ 5th rounder.

Just like that, through careful planning and preparation, the Bears may have scored both their quarterback and their left tackle of the future. It’s amazing to think they were able to see that many moves ahead considering how unpredictable the draft process can be. If Fields and Jenkins end up working out as they hope? That sequence might be viewed as one of the best pre-planned maneuvers in franchise history.

Justin Fields and Teven Jenkins have no shortage of ability

Both are fully capable of being at least solid starters in the NFL. They’re both standout athletes for their positions with good size and business-like demeanor on the field. When it comes to their responsibilities? They both understand what is expected of them and what they expect of themselves. Fields intends to take command of that offense and be the leader. Jenkins intends to use every trick in the book to keep him upright. That includes intentionally playing dirty if he has to.

It isn’t hard to see what the Bears were willing to trade up for both of them. Why they laid out such an elaborate plan to make it happen. Justin Fields has superstar potential at quarterback. Players with his size, speed, arm strength, and accuracy don’t come around often. By contrast, Jenkins is a classic Chicago guy. Big, physical, nasty, and a total character off the field.

They’ll fit right in.

The excitement is palpable from fans. They can’t wait to see those two on the field together. That should come when training camp begins in July. What is crazy is Jenkin may actually see the field first as a starter, being the heavy favorite to start at left tackle right away following the release of Charles Leno. Fields might have to wait a little longer for his shot.