Bears GM Ryan Poles: 'I feel really good about the offensive line'

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Over the course of three offseasons leading the Bears, general manager Ryan Poles has worked diligently to create continuity for the offensive line.

A former tackle himself, Poles knows well that an offensive line is formed not just with five starters but also with key depth pieces. In his third season on the job, Poles believes in the protection unit his team will feature this season.

“I feel really good about the offensive line,” Poles said Friday as the Bears reported for training camp. “Obviously, we’re excited to see Darnell (Wright) take the next step. I know he has the opportunity to be pretty special. Braxton (Jones) is coming along and continuing to get better. And then we have (Ryan) Bates and Coleman (Shelton) competing inside. I think there’s opportunity that we can be really talented and deep.

“One of the tough things we’ve had to do the first two years is just a lack of depth and not enough versatility to really create the best five from Week 1 all the way to the very end of the season. We’re happy with that group, but obviously they’ve got to continue to work, get better and build that chemistry together.”

The Bears are leaning on Jones as their starting left tackle in his third NFL season and the second-year pro Wright at right tackle. Left guard Teven Jenkins is entering a pivotal fourth year in the league with the hope of earning a long-term contract extension.

The Bears’ greatest questions are elsewhere in the interior. Veteran right guard Nate Davis played in just 11 games in 2023 and was sidelined during the offseason program with an undisclosed injury.

The Bears also have a looming position battle at center between Bates and Shelton, though they could turn to Bates as their reserve guard – which would open the starting center position for Shelton.

The Bears will hold their first practice Saturday morning at Halas Hall, which will mark the beginning of competition for the offensive line.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .