Larry Borom is in a rather unusual position on the Chicago Bears roster. Not only was he a 5th round pick in the draft. Something that makes it easy to be overlooked. He also wasn’t even the first offensive tackle the team drafted. That honor going to Teven Jenkins in the 2nd round. So there are multiple reasons why it’s easy to forget he is on the roster. Not that it seems to bother the young man himself.
As Borom was finishing up his final year at Missouri, he came to a realization. There wasn’t much draft buzz on him. That meant he’d have to do something to get the attention of teams. After asking several people he trusted including former coaches, the course ahead was clear. He had to lose weight. Borom had played right tackle somewhere between 340 and 350 lbs in college. That wasn’t going to fly in the NFL.
So he got to work.
When meetings with teams began this spring, many were surprised by his transformation. Borom had slimmed down to 322 lbs. He looked much sleeker and more cut. That resonated with Bears GM Ryan Pace. So when the Bears were back on the board in the 5th round, they made sure not to miss their chance. Borom got the call. Now he’s in Chicago and aiming towards the next step of his NFL dream. Becoming a starter.
Does he actually think that’s possible? Oh yes. Absolutely he does. In fact, the way the kid talks it’s almost like he expects it to happen. Don’t be fooled by the 5th round pick tag. Borom thinks of himself as a good offensive tackle. Just look at his answer during his first press conference for an idea. What does he consider the strength of his game right now?
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Larry Borom follows a theme with the Bears draft class this year
Self-confidence. A lot of these guys come across as remarkably certain of what they can do. Justin Fields and Thomas Graham Jr. being two other examples. Perhaps this mentality was further enflamed by the fact these players went later in the draft than they feel they should’ve. Many thought Fields was a lock for the top 5 picks a few months ago. Then he drops to #11. Borom had 3rd and 4th round grades from a number of evaluators. As did Graham.
Being taken later than expected often creates a chip on the shoulder. It certainly sounds like this guy has one. Larry Borom isn’t going into this with the idea of being a backup. He respects Germain Ifedi but also plans to compete with him for that right tackle job. It could end up being one of the most interesting battles of the summer. Bears coaches have made it clear competition is widespread. So if you want it, go and take it.
Borom sounds like he intends to.
Training camp begins in July. That will be when the pads go on for the first time. Offensive linemen will finally be able to showcase what they can do. Borom fancies himself a good pass protector with a mean streak. One can imagine Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn will put those statements to the test.
