Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Chicago Bears Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Chicago Bears from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Jenkins is a rock-steady tackle with experience on both sides of the line, though he'll likely line up at right tackle in the NFL. He plays with a nasty demeanor and has excellent hand and core strength.
The USC product gives coach Matt Nagy options as a swing player (guard/tackle) to plug into the lineup to protect whoever is taking snaps for the Bears.
When you write mock drafts, you have to make plenty of assumptions. This week, let's assume the Bears have done something a quarterback. Literally they could do anything this offseason and it would be an upgrade. With that said, whoever is the quarterback will need better protection in front of him. A player like Vera-Tucker could provide that help. He is a plug-and-play lineman and could even start his career at guard before shifting to tackle.
The Bears offense under head coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor works best when it deploys a balanced approach, mixing the run game with the play-action passing attack to keep defenses guessing and maximize efficiency. Grabbing an ass-kicking right tackle like Jenkins here could help them achieve that equilibrium in 2021 and beyond.
If they are going to be more than a one-and-done playoff team under Matt Nagy, the Bears simply must improve offensively. Elevated quarterback play is obviously incumbent, but wideout also looms as a priority with Allen Robinson headed for free agency. Bateman has a similar frame (6-2, 210) and similar game.
This is a really strong offensive tackle class, and we could see a run on them in the 20s. Jenkins started at both right tackle and left tackle for the Cowboys, and he was having a stellar season before he opted out in late November. At 6-6, 310 pounds, he has long arms and there are no questions about his size to play tackle. In Chicago, he could start immediately on the right side, where Germain Ifedi is a free agent, and be the long-term replacement to Charles Leno at left tackle. The Bears could also be in the market for a top receiver with Allen Robinson headed to free agency.
Quarterback remains an obvious question mark for the Bears, and with Allen Robinson likely leaving in free agency, receiver is a glaring need. But the offensive line needs reinforcements, too. Vera-Tucker can play inside or out after strong seasons at guard and left tackle for the Trojans.
