2021 NFL Draft profile: OT Teven Jenkins

Teven Jenkins is generally viewed as the third or fourth best offensive tackle in this draft. He is behind Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw for most evaluators. His prospect rank averages 23rd in the aggregated ranks. So if the Denver Broncos do draft him, it means one of three things:

1. They traded down from 9
2. They reached for a RT that they really like at 9
3. They got him in the second round if he is still on the board

Jenkins redshirted in the 2016 season to build muscle. He came out of high school as a 6-6 285 lb lineman playing both ways in high school. He played in all twelve of the Cowboys games in 2017 and then started in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Lance Zeirlein at NFL.com lists these as his strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

Split low with wide frame, good power and excellent body control.

Instinctive feel for positioning and quick to adjust his blocks when needed.

Powerful core allows him to base up and flatten the edge for running backs.

Full sustain mode closes door once his hands lock in.

Ready and willing to bury his man.

Plays under squared pads as a climbing blocker.

Athleticism for smooth drift from block to block on second level.

Quick to set out on wide-angle rushers and close the distance.

Keeps hands back until his target is within range.

Strong, sure hands clench up and stall rush attack.

Capable hand fighting to recapture control.

Solid mirror and redirection win space.

Weaknesses

Very short arms for tackle position.

Lack of length shows up when trying to hit redirect block at the top of rush.

Longer defenders can stab and separate from him.

Could struggle to gain enough depth against speed rush.

Displays slight inconsistencies with weight dispersal.

Loses contact with run blocks, showing occasional leaning.

Some scouts voiced concerns about football character.

Jenkins frame filled out to the point where he is 320 lbs now. He is a brawler who delights in punishing defenders. He is extremely powerful both in his lower body and his punch. His leg churn is consistent and he rarely struggles to get movement in the run game. His punch is powerful enough to redirect and stymie defenders easily in pass protection.

He is quick enough to get to the point as a tackle against speed rushers. He takes good angles in the run game and he is merciless when he gets his hands on second level defenders. His most impressive test from his pro-day was his 32.5” vertical. That’s very impressive for a 320 lbs man.

The one knock on Jenkins is his arm length which is short for an NFL tackle. He has 32 and 7/8th inch arms. That will make it difficult to get space against NFL pass rushers. His fit in the NFL might be better at guard. He did play guard some during 2017.

For those who want a right tackle and who are concerned about players who played left tackle exclusively in college, Jenkins mostly played right tackle for Oklahoma State. If you want an offensive lineman that has a little “nasty” in him, Jenkins is your guy.