It is officially the NFL Draft season, which means that it is also officially the season of Mel Kiper Jr.
The longtime ESPN guru published his first draft of the NFL’s 2021 recruiting cycle this week and his choice for the Chicago Bears was quite shocking.
In 20th overall position, Kiper has the Bears facing the Oklahoma state offensive, Teven Jekins.
“This is a very strong offensive tackle class, and we could see a race from them in the 1920s,” wrote Kiper. “Jenkins started both on the right and on the left for the Cowboys, and he was having a great season before giving up in late November. At 6-6, 310 pounds, he has long arms and there is no doubt about his size to play tackle.
“In Chicago, he could immediately start on the right side, where Germain Ifedi is a free agent, and be the long-term replacement for Charles Leno in the left tackle. The Bears may also be in the market for a top receiver, with Allen Robinson going to the free agency. “
See, any simulated draft in which the Bears select a striker in the first round is one that I like. But is this the right choice? Jenkins was not mentioned as often among this year’s top offensive tackles, so it’s either based on the information Kiper is getting from the NFL scouts, or Jenkins is about to make a strong push on the board.
Another nugget that Kiper is failing to mention is Bobby Massie’s expected healthy return on the right in 2021. He signed until 2023 and represents a bargain for an average position holder.
Still, whenever a team can update the offensive line, it has to do so. And if Jenkins is the type of talent that can start immediately as a newcomer, he will deserve a good look from the Bears in the first round.