According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears are shopping their 2021 second-round pick, Teven Jenkins. Chicago traded up to select Jenkins in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They traded a second, third, and sixth-round pick for a fifth-round pick and the opportunity to select Jenkins early in the second round. Here are potential trade destinations for Teven Jenkins.
Intro
Jenkins didn’t play much in his rookie season because of a back injury. He only started two of the six games he was active for last season. Jenkins struggled when he was on the field last season. In 160 snaps Jenkins had seven penalties and gave up two sacks. PFF gave Jenkins a 47.5 grade for his play last season.
There are a few reasons why Jenkins may have struggled last season. The first reason is that he got hurt early in training camp last season. So when Jenkins returned from his injury he was thrown right into the fire late into the season. The second reason why Jenkins may have struggled is that he didn’t play his natural position this past season.
During the pre-draft process, many scouts projected Jenkins to play right tackle in the NFL. Instead, Chicago made the puzzling decision to slot Jenkins in at left tackle and cut the previous starter, Charles Leno. This decision was puzzling because replacing Leno with Jenkins did not seem like it would improve Chicago’s offensive line as much as it would have to keep both and begin Jenkins’ career on the right side.
There are plenty of teams around the league that could possibly be interested in parting with a late draft pick to add a former top-40 prospect from the 2o21 NFL Draft with three years left on his deal. Here are the teams that could be interested in trading for Tevin Jenkins.
Miami Dolphins
Compensation: 2023 Fifth Round Pick
The Miami Dolphins have already added two new starters to their offensive line this offseason. But with its current construction, the Dolphins should take a flier on another offensive lineman who could be a long-term answer for them. 2020 first-round pick Austin Jackson is the Dolphins’ listed starting right tackle. In his first two seasons, Jackson has struggled for Miami when starting at left tackle and left guard. New head coach Mike McDaniel may have Jackson on a short leash and could be willing to replace him if he struggles early on.
Jenkins may be able to push both Austin Jackson and fellow 2021 second-round pick Liam Eichenberg for their starting jobs. Miami could be interested in adding Jenkins to their offensive line because they want to be better in the run game and Jenkins was seen as a very good run blocker out of college.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Terron Armstead, LG: Liam Eichenberg/Tevin Jenkins, C: Connor Williams, RG: Robert Hunt, RT: Austin Jackson/Tevin Jenkins
Kansas City Chiefs
Compensation: 2023 Fifth Round Pick
There aren’t a lot of holes across the Kansas City Chiefs roster. But a discrete need on this roster that was not addressed this offseason was the right tackle position. Currently, the Chiefs have Andrew Wylie, Lucas Niang, and 2022 fifth-round pick Darian Kinnard listed under right tackle on their depth chart. None of those players are guaranteed to be the Chiefs’ long-term right tackle. Kinnard was a popular prospect in this past draft, but may not be able to contribute right away.
The Chiefs could have Jenkins also compete for the right tackle job. Their loaded offensive line could mask Jenkins’ shortcomings and help him develop. He could be a bargain for the Chiefs if he could become a solid starter along their offensive line.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Orlando Brown Jr., LG: Joe Thuney, C: Creed Humphrey, RG: Trey Smith, RT: Tevin Jenkins/Andrew Wylie/Lucas Niang/Darian Kinnard
Las Vegas Raiders
Compensation: Conditional 2023 Fifth Round Pick
This offseason the Las Vegas Raiders made some major moves to try and become a legitimate contender in the AFC West this season. After all the major signings and trades they made the Raiders still have some question marks along their offensive line. Outside of left tackle Kolton Miller, the Raiders don’t have any locked-in starters on their offensive line this season. The rest of the four starting offensive line positions are up for grabs. If this offense wants to play at a Super Bowl level, they need to have consistency along their offensive line.
Trading for Teven Jenkins would be a dart throw for the Raiders. But he could help this team organize their offensive line. If Jenkins gets slotted in at right tackle, 2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood would be able to play his natural position of right guard. Then Las Vegas would have a solid foundation for their offensive line coming into the season. Many expected Las Vegas to select Jenkins over Leatherwood in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They could end up with both players and two starters along the right side of their offensive line.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Kolton Miller, LG: John Simpson/Dylan Parham, C: Andre James/Dylan Parham, RG: Alex Leatherwood, RT: Tevin Jenkins/Brandon Parker
Los Angeles Chargers
Compensation: Conditional 2023 Fifth Round Pick
The Chargers roster is ready to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West. They have made major additions to their defense and closed up some holes on offense. However, the Chargers still have a void at right tackle. Earlier this offseason they let go of veteran tackle Bryan Bulaga and haven’t brought in anyone to replace him. If Trey Pipkins is a liability at right tackle, the Chargers may be hoping for 2022 sixth-round pick Jamaree Salyer to emerge as a possible starter at left guard so Matt Feiler can move over to right tackle.
If the Chargers were to trade for Jenkins they would have more competition for Pipkins in camp. At worst, Jenkins could be a solid swing tackle. But he could also be the Chargers’ long-term answer at right tackle which would give them two young bookend tackles on their offensive line.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Rashawn Slater, LG: Matt Feiler, C: Corey Linsley, RG: Zion Johnson, RT: Trey Pipkins/Tevin Jenkins
Dallas Cowboys
Compensation: Conditional 2023 Sixth Round Pick
Due to salary cap issues, the Dallas Cowboys had to say goodbye to two starters along their offensive line from a season ago Connor Williams and La’El Collins. They did draft Tulsa offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round to fill one of their voids at left guard and right tackle. However, this line still will still need another starter to emerge for them in camp.
Dallas could view Jenkins as a swing tackle that could compete for one of their holes on their offensive line. He could be a solid depth piece that could develop into a starter for them down the road if he doesn’t emerge as a starter immediately in camp. Dallas didn’t draft Jenkins in the second round, so there would be no pressure for them to get him on the field right away.
Projected Offensive Line: LT: Tyler Smith, LG: Tyler Smith/Connor McGovern, C: Tyler Biadasz, RG: Zack Martin, RT: Terence Steele/Tyler Smith/Tevin Jenkins
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