Teven Jenkins has been a key figure in the Chicago Bears’ offensive line, but as the team continues to rebuild and reshape its roster, Jenkins’ future with the team could become a tough decision if projections about his development are accurate. Known for his strength and physicality, Jenkins’ potential as a foundational piece of the offensive line was part of the reason the Bears selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, his tenure with the Bears has been marked by inconsistency, injuries, and uncertainty about where he fits best on the line. As a result, his projection going forward is likely to play a large role in shaping the Bears’ decision-making in the near future.
Jenkins entered the NFL with a reputation for his aggressive style of play and his ability to dominate defenders in the run game. His rookie season, however, was marred by injuries and a series of struggles, including adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. In 2022, after an injury-riddled 2021, Jenkins showed flashes of his potential when healthy, but his performance remained inconsistent. The Bears’ coaching staff faced a tough challenge in trying to figure out where Jenkins fit best on the line. Originally projected to be a tackle, Jenkins was eventually moved to guard, where some felt his physicality could be better utilized.
Looking ahead, Jenkins’ projection could be a key factor in the Bears’ decision-making process. If Jenkins can continue to develop and show consistency, he could solidify himself as a core piece of the line, either at guard or possibly even back at tackle, depending on how the team reshapes its roster. His potential as a mauler in the run game is an asset that could complement the Bears’ offensive philosophy, especially if they continue to build around a mobile quarterback like Justin Fields.
However, if projections about his development don’t pan out, or if he remains inconsistent, the Bears may have to make the difficult decision to part ways with him. While offensive line play is crucial to a team’s success, the Bears cannot afford to hold onto a player who doesn’t fit into their long-term plans, especially with the team’s focus on rebuilding. If Jenkins continues to struggle with consistency or health issues, the Bears may need to look for a more reliable option in the draft or free agency.
Another element to consider is the financial aspect of Jenkins’ contract. As a second-round pick, Jenkins’ rookie deal isn’t as costly as those of first-round players, but with the Bears looking to allocate resources wisely during their rebuild, they will need to weigh his performance against potential options on the open market. If Jenkins is unable to meet expectations, the Bears may opt to move on, particularly if there are more promising players available at the position.
Ultimately, the Bears’ decision on Teven Jenkins will come down to whether he can meet or exceed the projections placed on him as a high-potential lineman. If he can do that, the team will likely keep him in the fold as they continue to rebuild their offense. If not, the Bears may face a difficult decision about moving on from a player they once hoped could be a key piece of their future. The accuracy of his development projections will play a major role in the direction of the Bears’ offensive line.
