The Chicago Bears have proven one thing the past few years. They loved to stockpile offensive line depth whenever possible. Especially along the interior. GM Ryan Pace believes the two guard spots and center are critical to the success of a quarterback in the passing game. This is why several of their top picks have gone to that area. Hroniss Grasu in 2015, Cody Whitehair in 2016, and James Daniels in 2018. It’s also why Christian Westerman is a name they should consider.
Right now the depth up front for Chicago is iffy. Injuries to Rashaad Coward and T.J. Clemmings created a big void behind Charles Leno and Bobby Massie. This forced the team to move Alex Bars to the outside after starting this preseason at guard. If this issue lingers, they may have to keep him there. This leaves veteran Ted Larsen as their only backup at guard or center. Not an ideal situation to be in. Especially given Kyle Long’s health history.
Westerman is somebody who never got a fair shake with his previous team. The former Arizona State guard was a 5th round pick for the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2017. It was believed at the time they’d gotten a steal. Yet for whatever reason, he never got a chance to start. This despite showing frequent flashes of such capability.
Christian Westerman would love Harry Hiestand
It’s not like Westerman has looked overmatched. Between his preseason outings and some brief playing time in the regular season, he has logged 387 total pass blocking snaps. In that span, he has allowed a total of just two sacks and 11 total pressures. He’s also shown a capacity for being a pretty decent run blocker. A guy who plays with power, technique, and more than a little nastiness. All things that are never bad in an NFL lineman.
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Now try to imagine what would happen if he came under the guidance of Harry Hiestand. The Bears offensive line coach is revered as one of the best in the NFL, and for good reason. He took an offensive line last year that had given up 39 sacks in 2017 and dropped that to 33 with almost the exact same personnel. He produced a host of 1st round picks at Notre Dame including Cowboys All-Pro guard Zack Martin.
Westerman may not have that level of talent, but he’s better than the Bengals made it seem. He deserves a fresh start somewhere and Chicago would be wise to give it to him.
