The Chicago Bears are doing everything they can to keep people guessing about their intentions in the upcoming draft. Yet it isn’t difficult to surmise their likely approach. It is plain as day that this team needs help in the trenches. With three picks in the first two rounds, GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson are almost sure to set aside two of them for the lines. It is merely a matter of what order they go in. Everything depends on which players they love and where those players are projected to go.
Greg Braggs Jr. of CHGO dropped some interesting knowledge on the situation. While he isn’t attuned to everything going on at Halas Hall, he did pick up on something interesting at the scouting combine. It sounds like multiple people in Lake Forest are big fans of Alabama guard Tyler Booker. Many consider him the best pure interior offensive lineman in the draft, which is an area the Bears have major needs.
Booker fits what this new Chicago Bears staff prefers.
Johnson and new head coach Dan Roushar seem to favor big, strong offensive linemen who are fundamentally sound. They don’t necessarily have to be the best athletes. If this holds true, then Booker is an obvious choice. He’s a massive human being at 6’4, 321 lbs, with 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands. He engulfs many of the defensive linemen he goes against. This is coupled with excellent power, often showcased in his ability to displace people in the run game. On top of that, he has a tremendous anchor in pass protection, making it almost impossible to bullrush him.
If the Chicago Bears aim to install that rushing offense Johnson used in Detroit, Booker is a natural fit. He could start immediately and anchor the left guard spot. His nasty mentality and violent disposition would also give the offense more teeth. The only concern is his athleticism. Booker isn’t known for great mobility. Any team that drafts him will have to accept this. If Braggs is correct, the Bears don’t seem concerned.
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No NFL O-lineman ever won a football game.
First-round picks of O-linemen must return “cornerstone” quality players (ProBowl starters with the expectation of 5-10 years of excellence).
“Playmakers” win NFL games; while “cornerstones” establish the team’s culture (identity).
Don’t forget this!
Booker is slow. Forget him. Membou from Missouri will be a much better player. Move Membou into RG next to Wright and that side of the line is set for the future. After the combine Booker will be falling. Could probably be had in the second round. Ideally the Bears trade back to around 15, get an extra pick and grab Membou. He’s bigger than Booker, way faster and more athletic and has great tape. He has an attitude like Jenkins. Likes to bury people.
Stay focused on the O line and stop getting distracted by other “sexy” picks. He has the size and power we’re looking for. If I remember Eagles O line averages 6’6” 340. Just say it, It’s O line time. It’s O line time…
Bears need to draft the biggest and baddest OL they can get. Booker’s only liability is not being able to pull and move quickly. He’s one of the slowest Guards but has a great base and is a powerful man mover.
If Jones is still recovering from his fractured leg, then we might need to grab Campbell (if available), Simmons or Membou at OT.
Free agency will signal what the Bears intend to do in the Draft.
I like Sallie’s idea of Booker and Donovan. Bears could be set for years.
Memboux is looking better as the 10 since the Combine showing but what do I know?
We still need free agency guys. Every year you guys burn yourselves out early on the draft, letting April be repetitious.
We should be polling and telling Poles what we want in free agency right now first. We’re only a week away from adding several guys to the roster. Will Poles’ moves make any sense? Will he have worked with B. Johnson and D. Allen?
Several starters are needed from free agency.