Teven Jenkins Expected To End A 5-Year Bears Drought In 2023

People may not believe this, but there was a point in time when the Chicago Bears had the best offensive line in football. The unit was dominant in the 1980s, headlined by Hall of Fame left tackle Jimbo Covert and seven-time Pro Bowl center Jay Hilgenberg. Since then, the organization has fielded some solid units, with 1995, 2006, and 2013 standing out. However, none of them had staying power. This is a big reason why quarterbacks have struggled often in Chicago. That is one of the reasons Teven Jenkins was drafted two years ago. They've been trying to change that.

Things didn't start well. The former 2nd round pick missed several games as a rookie with a back injury. Last year he lost the starting tackle job in OTAs. He was given two options: either stay a backup at tackle in hopes he could regain the top spot or shift to guard, where he'd have a chance to start right away. Jenkins chose the latter. It was a wise choice. He played some excellent football for long stretches in 2022. It was so good that Greg Gabriel, former Bears scouting director, believes the young man is destined for the Pro Bowl.

"Jenkins is entering his third year in the League but only his second season as a guard. Last year (against his will), he made the transition to guard, and the move proved to be just what he needed. In short, Teven is one of the most physical guards in football. He is a dominant run blocker and a very solid pass protector. He will be making the switch to left guard this season, but that should be an easy transition as he has played on the left side in the past. Right guard to left guard is much easier than right tackle to left tackle, as a guard is not on an Island like a tackle. I fully expect Jenkins to approach Pro Bowl status this year. Yes, he’s that good."

Teven Jenkins would end an unfortunate drought if that proves true.

No Bears offensive lineman has reached the Pro Bowl in any capacity for the past five years. Cody Whitehair and Charles Leno both made it in 2018. Since then, it's been total silence. Jenkins seems like the most well-positioned to break through. He's entering his third season in the league and his second in this offensive system. The wide-zone is known for helping offensive linemen play well. It's produced many Pro Bowlers in places like Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Green Bay, and Washington over the years.

Last year proved Teven Jenkins could play at a high level in this scheme. He was already a dominant run blocker, and his pass protection also took big steps forward. Two things will be required for him to reach the Pro Bowl. He must play enough games, and the Bears offense must perform at a higher level. Jenkins hasn't made it through a full season yet in his career. Playing at least 14 games is a must to have a shot. If Justin Fields takes a big step forward as a passer, that will also elevate his profile. It also wouldn't hurt if the Bears won more than three games this time around.