I loved Teven Jenkins coming out of Oklahoma State a year ago. The Tennessee Titans were a year removed from the catastrophically failed Isaiah Wilson experiment, and I looked at Jenkins’ road-grading presence as just the type of thing the Titans needed at right tackle. I wouldn’t have hated that pick, but now that we’re seeing how things are seemingly flaming out with the Chicago Bears, I’m especially relieved that the Titans do not consult me before they make their draft picks. It doesn’t sound like things are going swimmingly for the second year tackle.
An undisclosed injury. Trade rumors. Coaching frustration. Teven Jenkins may be fading from the Chicago Bears’ plans. So what’s next? https://t.co/fV1D03p370
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) August 3, 2022
This, naturally, caused some to immediately long for Jenkins. This fan base, at least on my timeline, seems to have gotten better about lusting after every potential free addition and every player that’s dangled out on the trade block. But, they’re back for this one! The Titans do have question marks at two spots on the offensive line this year, and the idea of adding another body along the offensive line isn’t exactly far-fetched, so it’s fair in that regard. But, I don’t think the Titans are in a spot where they’ll give up a third round pick for what already looks like a reclamation project. Obviously, everyone should make their own assessment of someone based on how they treat them. But, this ain’t it to me. I’m not saying Jenkins won’t be better with a fresh start somewhere. If he can even remotely live up to his potential and cut out all the extracurricular stuff surrounding him, he’ll be fine. This was my initial evaluation of the guy from the lead-up to last year’s draft:
In one word, he’s a finisher. In his own words (linked below), he’s a tough, physical, nasty motherfucker. I love the way he drives guys out of the play, and puts asses on the ground. A lot of scouts are leery of his shorter arms, and project him at guard because of them. But, the bulk of his season was played at right tackle, and he played it well for Oklahoma State. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Now, later on in that same piece, I pointed out that several scouts cited some serious character concerns. So, there’s that. From the sounds of what’s happening in Chicago, those things, or at the very least something like them, are rearing their ugly heads. Again, this guy has a wealth of potential, but between the cost, the concerns, and the actual results on the field so far, I don’t know how you find this potential move “worth it” if you’re the Titans.
I say let’s roll with Dillon Radunz. Again, the Titans don’t consult me for decisions such as this. But if I’m growing more and more confident in Radunz each day, it’s because I’ve bought into the offseason the guy has had and the things that smart people are saying about him. I’d rather take that and the upside at right tackle.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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