The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.
Up next is Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins:
What he can do
– Will enter the NFL ready to be a difference-maker in the run game at right tackle. Big, strong and nasty. Just buries people. Finisher
– Bryan Bulaga is 6-5 and 314. Jenkins is 6-6 and 317. Similar body types
– Did 36 reps on the bench. Strength is a major asset
– Good numbers across the board in the athletic testing. High RAS player. The Packers love elite athletes at premium positions
– Gave up just two sacks over his final three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. He might not have long arms, but he’s so athletic and so coordinated on the move. A little like Bulaga here too; just finds a way to get it done consistently in pass pro
– Versatile for Oklahoma State. Played left and right tackle and even started some games at guard
– Rushers have to use length to beat him because if he gets his hands under your pads, it’s over. Every time
– No problems getting to spots in the zone run game. No issues on the move or getting to the second level
– Game against Joseph Ossai and Texas in 2020 was dominant
– Love his football intelligence. So comfortable handling stunts and twists. Can sense edge blitzers. Reads and reacts to everything happening in front of him
How he fits
Jenkins could have incredible short and long term value in Green Bay. With the ability to play both guard and tackle, he’d provide the Packers with more options for configuring the offensive line during his rookie season, allowing others – such as Elgton Jenkins, Lucas Patrick and Billy Turner – to move around and play preferred positions. Jenkins’ long-term value is at right tackle. He could be one of the NFL’s best on the right side for a long time. And some teams will think he can be a Pro Bowl guard.
NFL comp
Bryan Bulaga wasn’t a tone-setter in the run game, but everything else about Jenkins’ game matches. The size, the toughness, the coordination in pass pro, the football IQ. Neither has long arms or elite quickness, but both just find ways to get the job done every snap. Like Bulaga, Jenkins could have a long successful career at right tackle.
Where Packers could get him
The first round, and it might take an aggressive move up the board to have a chance. Even in a deep class of offensive tackles, he’s too talented to fall far. If somehow he lasts until the 29th pick, the Packers have an easy decision. Home-run pick at 29.
