(670 The Score) Under the watch of general manager Ryan Poles, a former offensive lineman himself, the Bears have begun to improve their offensive line.
Only two offensive linemen remain from Poles’ predecessor Ryan Pace, this as Poles has overhauled much of the roster and made key investments into the offensive line. But there are important positions to fill for the line this offseason with hopes of forming a top-tier starting group.
In this pivotal offseason, Poles must solidify the Bears’ offensive line.
Who’s under contract: Darnell Wright, Teven Jenkins, Braxton Jones, Nate Davis, Larry Borom, Ja’Tyre Carter, Doug Kramer, Aviante Collins, Jerome Carvin, Roy Mbaeteka
Free agents: Lucas Patrick, Dan Feeney, Cody Whitehair (released)
2023 review
Back in 2022, Poles inherited an offensive line that needed to be reshaped across the board. Now, it’s a group that features some core pieces.
Darnell Wright, whom the Bears selected No. 10 overall in last year’s draft, revealed promise as a rookie starting at right tackle. He played nearly every snap last season at that position.
“Yeah, I feel really good,” Poles said. “Darnell did an outstanding job. He continues to work on his technique. I think once he closes that gap, that technique gap and the consistency of using the right techniques versus the right players – there's a Rolodex that you've got to build out in terms of the pass rushers that you go against because they all have different stuff. So, once he starts putting that together, you're going to see a really good player.
“He's out there right now as a rookie, out there just using his natural ability. In a lot of games that was good enough, but there were some games and some reps where it wasn't good enough, and he's got to continue to get better, and I know he's going to put the time in. But he's made of the right stuff. He's tough. He's strong. Like all of those core pieces, (time) is going to allow him to build off of that and be a really good player.”
The Bears also saw the continued growth of Teven Jenkins, who switched over to left guard last season. While Jenkins was again set back by injuries, he was the Bears’ best offensive lineman when healthy. Veteran right guard Nate Davis started in 11 games after signing a three-year, $30-million deal in March. He struggled initially on the field while dealing with personal loss off the field, though his increased comfort was clear late in the season.
Braxton Jones, the fifth-round pick in 2022, started 11 games at left tackle but missed five contests on injured reserve while dealing with a neck injury. He showcased improvements, though a decision looms at that position.
The Bears dealt with a revolving door at center, shuffling Cody Whitehair, Lucas Patrick, and even Dan Feeney and Doug Kramer into that position.
Whitehair entered the season as the Bears’ starter at center but was pulled from that role as he struggled with snapping consistency. Whitehair, 32, was officially released by the Bears on Thursday night. Patrick started 15 games between guard and center. He is a free agent this offseason.
The Bears retained offensive line coach Chris Morgan, a respected assistant coach on Matt Eberflus’ staff.
What comes next?
The Bears can comfortably believe three positions on their offensive line are set with starters – Jenkins at left guard, Davis at right guard and Wright at right tackle. But they could seek an upgrade at left tackle and are certain to explore the center market.
Poles will start his search at left tackle in free agency, though there may not be a clear improvement over Jones on the open market. Eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith (Cowboys) is set to become a free agent this offseason and leads that position group.
The Bears may be better suited seeking a franchise left tackle in the NFL Draft. There will be an intriguing opportunity to select a tackle with the No. 9 overall pick, exploring a group led by Joe Alt (Notre Dame) and Olu Fashanu (Penn State).
The Bears will search for stability at center after failing to solidify that position the last two seasons. The open market will include quality veterans, led by Connor Williams (Dolphins). But Poles could be drawn to long-term viability in the draft and covet a prospect like Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon).
There will also be importance to add a quality veteran guard given Davis and Jenkins combined to miss 11 games last season.
Last season, the Bears ranked 19th in Pro Football Focus’ offensive line evaluations. That is a drop from 14th in 2022, though largely in part due to injuries at four of the five starting positions.
The Bears can hope they will boast a top-10 offensive line in 2024 after Poles makes key moves to solidify that unit.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0