Teven Jenkins didn't have the start to his NFL career anybody would've wanted. When the Chicago Bears selected him in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft, everybody expected he'd be the right tackle of the future. He'd been a dominant force at Oklahoma State. He and Justin Fields could grow together. Then he missed most of his rookie year with a back injury. Before he could return and settle into his role, the Bears underwent a regime change. Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy were out. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus were in.
New decision-makers often bring new expectations. Jenkins found that out the hard way. Before OTAs were even over last year, he'd been demoted from starting tackle. He suddenly didn't have a position. It was a dark time for him, wondering if he had any future. Then offensive line coach Chris Morgan offered him a lifeline: give right guard a try. Jenkins could've resisted, but he chose to embrace it. A few months later, he had a case for being the best blocker on the team.
Now he's on the move again.
After signing Nate Davis, a career right guard, in free agency, the Bears told Jenkins he would be moving to left guard. Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago asked if this frustrated him. The third-year blocker didn't even flinch this time.
"As long as I got a job, I'm going to be happy," Jenkins told NBC Sports Chicago. "There wasn't reason to feel any sort of way about it. I've played the left side before. I just took it and ran with it, basically.
"This is just another chance for me to show that I can be versatile at another position."
Moving Teven Jenkins has logic to it.
This isn't merely about accommodating Davis. There is some strategy involved too. It's possible the Bears wish to get their two best run blockers on the same side of the offensive line. That is what Jenkins and Braxton Jones were last year. If they play up to that same level, the team could have a ton of success running behind the left side of their offensive line. At the same time, the more experienced Davis will be able to mentor 1st round pick Darnell Wright over on the right side. There is plenty of logic to the decision.
One thing is clear. Teven Jenkins understands reality. The Bears won't have any sympathy for his struggles. They can't afford to. It must be earned on the field if he wants to stake his claim to a long-term roster spot. That starts with staying on the field. Jenkins has missed a lot of games with various injuries in his first two years. If he wants to think about the future, he must show the organization he can be available. After that, it's about playing good football. Simple, but not easy. This could be a make-or-break year for him.
