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2021 NFL Draft

Oklahoma State OT Teven Jenkins Plays With a Mean Streak

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Big, physical and nasty, Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins is an alluring pick for a Steelers team in desperate need of help along the offensive line.

After his pro day at Oklahoma State on Thursday, Jenkins didn’t mince words when asked to describe his play style.

“[I’m a] tough, physical, nasty motherfucker, a dude who does not shy away from hits,” Jenkins said. “A dude who is going to bust his ass.”

He credited his offensive line and strength coaches for his mentality, once again in a colorful manner.

“[They told] me if I was going to be the guy this year, I was going to need to be a motherfucker on the field,” Jenkins said. “Be a dickhead, be more aggressive than I was, and I took that personally.”

Jenkins excels as a run-blocker, helping to pave the way for running back Chuba Hubbard’s 2,000 yard campaign in 2019, and his junkyard dog mentality would be a boon in Pittsburgh. The Steelers finished last in the NFL in rushing yards in 2020 and struggled to get any push up front.

Though run blocking is his biggest strength, Jenkins approaches pass protection in a similar fashion.

“Pass setting doesn’t have to be passive. You can be aggressive as you want to,” Jenkins said. “It’s about how you want to go at it with your set.”

DRAFT OUTLOOK

Jenkins’ has continued to elevate his draft stock throughout his collegiate career, and his strong pro day showing is the cherry on top.

He measured at 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds at the pro day. His arm length had been a question mark for his ability to play tackle at a high level, but at 33 ½ inches, that shouldn’t be a problem in the NFL.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.01 seconds, and benched 225 pounds 36 times. His mix of size, explosiveness and physicality could push him into the first round. 

Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy emphasized Jenkins’ potential as a prospect. 

“I would be shocked if he’s there in the second round now,” Gundy said. “He’s just scratched the surface for what he can do.”