As mentioned multiple times over the past month, Ryan Poles has one primary objective. That is to build around Justin Fields and give the young QB every chance to succeed. From the new GM’s point of view, everything starts up front. Poles was not impressed with the Chicago Bears offensive line last season. Giving up 58 sacks can do that. With four of their five original starters expected to become free agents, it is a foregone conclusion that changes are coming. Poles must find help and one name likely gaining traction inside Halas Hall is Kellen Diesch.
The Arizona State offensive tackle was somewhat under the radar during the pre-draft process. That changed during the past week when he turned several heads at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. His 4.89 in the 40-yard dash was the second-best time among all offensive linemen in attendance. He also posted the third-best vertical jump (32.5 inches), and second-best 20-yard shuttle (4.43 seconds). At 6’7 and 307 lbs, that is quite impressive. It seems to have already caught the attention of certain teams, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network.
“One offensive lineman scouts are gushing over since last night is Arizona State tackle Kellen Diesch. I mentioned during my Combine preview of the group Diesch would turn heads, and he did…Diesch could move into the late part of Day 2. I’m told both the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals are very high on him.”
The Chiefs being mentioned there is noteworthy.
Remember, Poles came from Kansas City. His philosophies on offensive linemen are almost guaranteed to be the same as theirs. So if they’re high on Diesch, it is a safe assumption the Bears are too. It isn’t hard to see why. Diesch isn’t just a workout warrior. He showed on film that he is an effective pass blocker and great whenever he’s on the move. Something pretty important for the zone-blocking scheme the Bears plan to install.
Big man MOVING! 💨
Kellen Diesch runs a 4.89 official time in the 40-yard dash, the fastest among offensive lineman at the 2022 #NFLCombine.
(Via: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/03VSWnQNvC
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) March 4, 2022
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So much talent along the @ShrineBowl OL. Per @PFF_College, the pass blocker with the highest grade from the week was @ASUFootball's Kellen Diesch
Near perfect grade in pass pro all week. Here he won on the arc, and then again protecting his inside. Plug and play NFL pass blocker pic.twitter.com/7AfLC1xmn9
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) February 23, 2022
Kellen Diesch (@_kell89) of @ASUFootball is among the best pass blocking OTs in the country.
His ability (LT#74) to stonewall speed edge rushers and strong-handed inside penetrators makes him as NFL ready as any tackles in the country. #ShrineBowl #ArizonaState pic.twitter.com/GRRG3HRL2S
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) October 30, 2021
As with any under-the-radar prospects, there are reasons why Diesch is hyped up more. Two key factors have kept excitement with him somewhat measured. First is his short arms. Teams tend to prefer tackles that have arms around 34 inches in length. Diesch came in at 32.25 inches. Not ideal. Then there is the matter of power. Too often he seems to lack true strength, both in his run blocking and his ability to anchor against bullrushes.
In other words, Kellen Diesch has to get stronger
That can be done with a change in diet and help from NFL-caliber training staff. The shorter arms will be something they can’t fix. It isn’t a death sentence by any means. There have been great tackles in the NFL with short arms in the past. The key to their success was athleticism and flawless technique. The first part isn’t a concern for him. That second part will need more work before he’s ready.
Much of this might come down to the Bears coaching staff. While Kellen Diesch might fit the kind of player Poles likes in an offensive tackle, the same might not be true of head coach Matt Eberflus or offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Remember Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari, whom Getsy worked with for years, has 34-inch arms. Anthony Castonzo and Eric Fisher in Indianapolis, whom Eberflus worked with, had 34-inch arms.
So that length issue is going to be a discussion.
Much of it may hinge on where Diesch ends up going. The 2nd round feels unlikely, even with his standout performance. That might change in the 3rd round. If he is still on the board at that point, the Bears might look to pull the trigger. Especially with no pick until the 5th round after that.
