Expect Ben Johnson To Circle These O-Line Names For Bears

The scouting combine is a necessary tool in the pre-draft process. It helps teams determine whether what they see on tape is confirmed by the data gathered in athletic drills. As the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson will have his voice heard like never before. He will be able to put his fingerprints all over this roster. The obvious focal point for many is the offensive line. If his system will have any success, it must start by upgrading the trenches.

I wanted to get a feel for what Johnson and his staff might be looking for once the event begins later this month. It seemed as if Matt Eberflus had specific preferences when he was in charge. He wanted great athletes with good length. Does Johnson hold the same philosophy? I dug into the numbers from every offensive line pick the Detroit Lions made during his stint there. The data was rather eye-opening.

Ben Johnson isn’t big into the metrics.

Jonah Jackson (3rd round)

“Plays with desired aggression.”

• 6’3
• 306 lbs
• 33.5-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.23 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.84 seconds
• Vertical jump: 26 inches
• Broad jump: 98 inches
• Bench press: 28 reps

Logan Stenberg (4th round)

“Has feisty field demeanor and plays with edge.”

• 6’6
• 317 lbs
• 32.5-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.3 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.86 seconds
• Vertical jump: 26 inches
• Broad jump: 104 inches
• Bench press: N/A

Penei Sewell (1st round)

“Considered vocal game day leader.”

• 6’5
• 331 lbs
• 33.25-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.1 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.79 seconds
• Vertical jump : 28 inches
• Broad jump: 109 inches
• Bench press: 30 reps

Colby Sorsdal (5th round)

• 6’6
• 305 lbs
• 33-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.17 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.91 seconds
• Vertical jump: 27.5 inches
• Broad jump: 112 inches
• Bench press: 21

Giovanni Manu (4th round)

“He has some nasty in his work and has developmental tools to mold.”

• 6’7
• 350 lbs
• 34.5-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.06 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.81 seconds
• Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
• Broad jump: 107 inches
• Bench press: 23 reps

Christian Mahogany (6th round)

“Has upper-body power and chippy demeanor to maul and scrap at the point.”

• 6’3
• 317 lbs
• 33.5-inch arms
• 40 time: 5.13 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.74 seconds
• Vertical jump: 32.5 inches
• Broad jump: 109 inches
• Bench press: N/A

It appears as if Ben Johnson won’t place specific priorities on things like length or elite athleticism. Only one of the linemen drafted had arms of 34 inches or longer. None of them had great 40 times or explosive jumps. Two things did stand out, though. It appears Johnson and the Lions preferred blockers with two key traits: power and violence. Every lineman listed reached at least 21 reps on the bench press. The higher picks had at least 28. For context, that would’ve ranked them in the top five of last year’s combine.

New offensive line coach Dan Roushar seems to share this philosophy. His long stint in New Orleans showcased a similar preference for big, strong, and violent blockers. It feels like the scouting combine won’t tell the entire story of who the Bears decide to target. The best thing to do is keep an eye on the bench press while seeking the guys with reputations for nastiness. Are there any names who qualify? Here are a few.

Will Campbell (OL, LSU)

“His play is determined, spirited and aggressive, which works in his favor…Wallops first contact as run blocker with very heavy hands.”

Armand Membou (OL, Missouri)

“Corrals and centers off-frame targets with upper-body power. Plays with an edge when finishing his blocks.”

Aireontae Ersery (OL, Minnesota)

“He works lateral/horizontal blocks well, showcasing the strength to wash defenders down the line of scrimmage—he has a nasty, finishing mentality.”

Donovan Jackson (OG, Ohio State)

“Broad-framed three-year starter with core power and leg drive…He looks for physical block finishes once he’s locked in.”

Tate Ratledge (OG, Georgia)

“Plays with low pad level, leverage and very good play strength…Ratledge’s identity is that he is a physical player but because of his physicality and aggressive temperament.”

Ben Johnson wants a violent team up front. It would be surprising if at least one of these names doesn’t end up in a Bears uniform before the end of business in April.