OT Teven Jenkins would be an ideal second round pick for Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are going to add significant offensive line talent this offseason. Between the urgency created from Joe Burrow’s injury, the favorable salary cap position they find themselves in, the draft capital they possess, and the deep offensive tackle class, there’s no way around it. The only question that remains is just how many pieces will they add along the trenches?

As things stand, the club really only has one viable offensive line starter in place, Jonah Williams. The rest of the ranks remain in question, including the center position after Trey Hopkins tore his ACL in the season finale, leaving his status to begin the season up in the air.

Regardless of whether the Bengals are able to land a guy like Joe Thuney in free agency or nab Penei Sewell/Rashawn Slater in round one, chances are, they could still use more big bodies up front. Luckily, a more than capable prospect could be available: Teven Jenkins.

The 6’6, 310-pound tackle reigning from Oklahoma State has the ability of a first-round pick. He’s certainly been tabbed as such by numerous outlets. However, thanks to a historically deep class, the Bengals just might have a shot at him.

Teven Jenkins brings valuable traits to a depleted Bengals OL room

It’s no secret Cincinnati loves drafting players with vast experience, often paying close attention to events like the Senior Bowl to scout the most tested prospects in the country. In addition to making the trip to Mobile, Alabama, Jenkins also notched 35 starts throughout his collegiate career, ticking both the experience boxes the Bengals take so seriously.

The versatility Jenkins brings is also something that would likely be welcomed. The Kansas native has spent time at both tackle positions, as well as right guard, although he ultimately made his best impression as the right bookend.

With only one starter in place, bringing in guys that can play multiple different positions can help offensive line coach Frank Pollack find the best combination of five to put in front of Burrow.

“Heavy hands” and “powerful finisher” are terms often brought up when discussing Jenkins’ tape. This combination of attributes completes the trifecta that makes him a good fit with the Bengals, especially as they attempt to claw their way out of the cellar of the AFC North.

Perhaps Pro Football Focus summarized what Jenkins brings to the table best,

"“Jenkins was a full-grown man on the right side for the Cowboys. You won’t have to watch too many plays before finding a rep of him putting a defender in the turf. He allowed only four pressures on 211 pass-blocking snaps this season.”"

Sounds like the right kind of guy to have in stripes when the Ravens or Steelers come to visit the Queen City.

If the deep tackle class indeed causes Jenkins to fall to the Bengals’ second-round pick, he’d be an ideal selection and give Cincinnati a talented young bookend to continue to develop and pair with Burrow.