The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. After years of instability at quarterback and a lackluster offensive line, the Bears are making significant efforts to turn things around. Their hope is to build a sustainable offense around a dynamic quarterback, a strong offensive line, and playmakers at key positions. But as the team inches closer to competitive relevance, one player on the offensive line has quietly emerged as a potential hidden gem: left guard **Teven Jenkins**.
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jenkins was initially viewed as a raw but talented player with tremendous upside. He has always had the physical attributes—strength, size, and agility—to dominate in the NFL, but questions about his technique and injury history raised doubts about whether he could ever reach his full potential. Fast forward to 2024, and Jenkins is no longer just a prospect. He’s developing into one of the most consistent and physically dominant offensive linemen in the league.
But is Jenkins a “secret superstar”? Does he have the potential to become one of the best players at his position, despite not yet receiving the recognition he deserves? Let’s take a closer look at Jenkins’ journey and how his unique blend of attributes might elevate him into the upper echelon of offensive linemen in the NFL.
### 1. **A Strong Start to His Career with the Bears**
Teven Jenkins was drafted by the Bears with the No. 39 overall pick in the 2021 draft, which reflected the team’s desire to bolster a weak offensive line. The Bears had already invested in a young quarterback, Justin Fields, and protecting their new signal-caller was paramount to their long-term success. Jenkins, a former standout at Oklahoma State, was seen as a powerful player capable of providing a significant physical presence in the trenches.
However, Jenkins’ early years with the Bears didn’t follow a smooth trajectory. He dealt with back injuries during his rookie season, which caused him to miss significant time and limited his development. His first-year struggles were compounded by the Bears’ overall instability on the offensive line, which was often inconsistent in both pass protection and run blocking. By the end of his rookie campaign, Jenkins was seen as a work in progress.
Yet, despite these setbacks, Jenkins displayed flashes of brilliance. In limited action, his ability to move defenders off the ball in the running game and his aggressive mentality stood out. His potential was evident, but like many young players, the question was whether he could stay healthy and develop the necessary consistency to become a top-tier NFL lineman.
### 2. **The 2023 Breakout Season**
Jenkins’ story started to change in 2023, when he finally found some stability and health. Heading into his third season, Jenkins was given a full offseason to focus on his technique and conditioning, and it showed. The 2023 season became a turning point in his development, as he delivered one of the most impressive seasons of any offensive lineman in the NFL—despite not getting as much media attention as some of his peers.
Jenkins showed remarkable improvement in several key areas:
#### **Pass Protection:**
In the modern NFL, pass protection is one of the most vital aspects of offensive line play. It’s often the most scrutinized area, as quarterbacks are under constant pressure to get rid of the ball quickly. Jenkins, who was once criticized for his inconsistent footwork and pass-blocking technique, proved that he could handle a variety of defensive linemen in 2023. He demonstrated excellent foot speed, balance, and an ability to maintain a strong anchor against power rushers. Fields, in particular, benefited from Jenkins’ ability to keep defenders at bay, as Jenkins often provided him with a clean pocket.
#### **Run Blocking:**
Jenkins’ most significant asset has always been his power and tenacity in the running game. As a guard, his physicality allows him to drive defenders off the ball with ease. In 2023, he emerged as one of the league’s most dominant run blockers, clearing lanes for running back Khalil Herbert and the Bears’ running game, which ranked among the best in the league. Jenkins’ ability to pull and lead in space was a particular asset, as he showcased his mobility and strength to spring big runs.
#### **Mental Toughness and Leadership:**
While the physical attributes were always there, Jenkins started to show mental toughness and leadership qualities in 2023. He became a more vocal presence on the line, helping to communicate with his teammates, adjust to defensive schemes, and keep the group cohesive. Offensive line play is all about chemistry, and Jenkins’ role as a leader helped solidify the line as a whole.
### 3. **The Secret Superstar Factor: Lack of National Recognition**
Despite his stellar play, Jenkins has remained somewhat under the radar in terms of national recognition. Much of the NFL media’s attention has been focused on the team’s quarterback situation, Fields’ development, and other high-profile players. The offensive line, as is often the case, has received less media buzz. And while Jenkins is certainly recognized by his coaches, teammates, and the Bears’ fanbase, he has not received the same accolades as some of the more hyped names in the league.
Part of the reason Jenkins might be a “secret” superstar is that offensive linemen often don’t get the recognition they deserve unless they’re playing in a high-profile market or are part of a team that is consistently competing for championships. Offensive line play is largely a thankless job—often not drawing attention unless something goes wrong. So, while Jenkins may not be as celebrated as players like the Dallas Cowboys’ Zack Martin or the Green Bay Packers’ Elgton Jenkins, his performance is drawing more attention within NFL circles.
The fact that he has continued to elevate his game while still flying under the radar gives him that “secret superstar” status. Only those truly watching the tape and studying the Bears’ offense recognize just how important Jenkins has become to the team’s success. With a few more standout seasons under his belt, Jenkins could find himself firmly in the conversation for Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections.
### 4. **A Bright Future for Jenkins and the Bears’ Offensive Line**
Jenkins’ trajectory has positioned him to be a key part of the Bears’ offensive line for years to come. With his blend of size, strength, and growing technical skills, Jenkins could develop into one of the top guards in the league. The Bears’ offensive line is steadily improving, and Jenkins is undoubtedly the cornerstone of that unit.
Looking ahead, if Jenkins continues to play at the level he reached in 2023 and stays healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t become one of the league’s elite offensive linemen. His physical tools alone are enough to make him a force in the trenches, but it’s his mental growth and leadership that could elevate him into the superstar category.
The Bears will need Jenkins to continue his development if they are going to build a competitive team around Fields and their other offensive weapons. As the offensive line continues to gel, Jenkins will be a central figure in keeping their quarterback protected and creating opportunities in the running game.
In many ways, the success of the Bears’ offense in the coming years will hinge on the continued ascension of Jenkins as a dominant force. While the national media may still be catching up to his rise, it’s clear that in Chicago, Jenkins is already regarded as a linchpin in the team’s future.
### 5. **Conclusion: A Rising Star in the NFL**
While he may not be a household name yet, Teven Jenkins is quietly becoming one of the most dominant and versatile offensive linemen in the NFL. His performances in 2023 showed that he has the potential to be a cornerstone of the Bears’ offense for years to come, and if he continues to develop, he could earn the recognition he deserves as one of the league’s premier players.
The Bears might just have a “secret superstar” on their offensive line, and if Jenkins keeps performing at a high level, that secret won’t stay hidden for much longer. The rise of Jenkins not only bodes well for the Bears’ future but also signals that their offensive line might be ready to compete with the best in the NFL. So, while the spotlight may be on quarterbacks and skill players, keep an eye on Teven Jenkins—he’s making his case as one of the league’s best-kept secrets.