Staley Da Bear
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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Last spring, Jenkins spent the entire offseason practicing at left tackle and started Oklahoma State's season opener at the position against Tulsa. But when right tackle Hunter Anthony was injured in the game, Jenkins moved to the right side because backup Jake Springfield was more comfortable at left tackle. Jenkins started the next six games at right tackle before opting out for the rest of the season.
The Bears traded up 13 spots in the draft to select Jenkins at No. 39 overall. They also acquired a fifth-round choice in the deal (No. 151) with the Panthers that they spent on Missouri tackle Larry Borom at No. 151 in exchange for picks in the second round (No. 52), third round (No. 83) and sixth round (No. 204).
Jenkins was a prospect that many draft analysts expected to be chosen in the first round. In fact, he was projected to be picked by the Bears at No. 20 in 11 of the 36 mock drafts canvassed on ChicagoBears.com—more than any other player.
With Jenkins in the fold, the Bears will disperse for the summer when their mandatory minicamp concludes Thursday with all seven of their 2021 draft picks under contract. Prior to Wednesday, they had signed first-round quarterback Justin Fields, Borom, sixth-round running back Khalil Herbert, sixth-round receiver Dazz Newsome, sixth-round cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. and seventh-round nose tackle Khyiris Tonga.