It isn’t a secret that the Chicago Bears are certain to go hunting for offensive line help next off-season. They badly need an overhaul of that entire group. The only true fixture they have at this point is Darnell Wright. Right guard has no starter. Left guard Teven Jenkins and center Coleman Shelton will both be free agents. Left tackle Braxton Jones has been okay, but nothing special. It would be shocking if the Bears didn’t invest lots of money and at least their 1st round pick in that position group.
Probably the most popular name among fans looking ahead to the draft is Will Campbell. LSU has long been a factory for good NFL offensive linemen, and the left tackle seems like the latest to join those ranks. There are projections of him going to the Bears in the top 10 quite frequently. Based on what Brad Biggs has heard from people around the league, that would be a huge mistake.
LSU’s Will Campbell has gotten a lot of buzz but NFL folks I have chatted with don’t believe he’s a slam dunk selection who will solidify the position for some team for five-plus years. He’s got short arms and there are concerns about his game. In other words, some believe he’s been vastly overrated.
The Chicago Bears can’t afford to reach for need.
Presuming they pick in the top 10 again, which seems all but certain at this point, they have to do the smart thing and take the absolute best player on their board. If it’s an offensive lineman, that’s great. However, early returns suggest this class isn’t rich in high-end star-caliber prospects. There are plenty of good players, but few, if any, who are worthy of going that high. Meanwhile, the defensive line crop is excellent, both inside and outside. Would the Chicago Bears pass up a potential stud edge rusher just to grab an offensive lineman who might not be nearly as capable? This is why it is too early to judge how the draft board will shake out. The Senior Bowl and scouting combine are still to come. That is when the biggest shifts take place. If there is a stud blocker in this group, we will know by the end of February.
Priorities: 1. Coaching. Head coach who KNOWS what he is looking at. Not listening to the BS his coordinators and coaches, writers, podcasters and fans might be throwing at him. 2. Coordinators. Who KNOW what they are looking at. If you have a bunch of players who can’t run complex schemes, redesign to their strengths. If they say: “throw me the ball,” you’d damn well better CATCH the ball. If you can block, than block. don’t BS with your damn PFF rankings. Also, KNOW immediately if your position coaches are actually elevating players. If they need help, ask for it.… Read more »
I think Kelvin Banks is your best bet on the offensive line. As a true freshman, he played 858 snaps and allowed 2 sacks. In his Sophomore year, he improved and played 958 snaps, all at left tackle, and allowed 1 sack. This year, he allowed 1 pressure, no sacks, at left tackle! He is a no-brainer! If he will be there when the Bears pick is another question entirely.
I personally don’t like this draft at all. We are pushed right back into the same old rut of drafting for need along the OL. It’s the same situation here for the Pats. Their OL is worse. I do not want to spend big on a guard in FA. Our scouting department needs to put in the work. We need to strengthen the interior on both sides of the ball. Whoever the incoming HC is going to be, their job will be easier if we get stronger up the middle. We need a deeper rotation of DL men. We have… Read more »
Nail your coaching. You can draft promising players, if you have the coaching talent to bring them up to potential. They’ve just been wasting draft choices on potential and not bothering with the coaching.
For decades.
Poles will blow it.