LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When the Bears line up their starting offense for the first game of their much-anticipated new season, rookie Caleb Williams will be under center as their starting quarterback.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus made it clear before rookie minicamp began last Friday at Halas Hall that there would be no quarterback competition that would force Williams to earn his place as Chicago’s starter, as had been the organization's approach in developing the previous two quarterbacks whom it selected in the first round.
"No conversation," Eberflus said.
What isn't clear is from whom Williams will be collecting that first snap. The Bears have a depth chart that’s fairly solidified with starters, but the exception is at center.
The Bears acquired veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates in March by trading a fifth-round pick to the Bills. Bates, 27, is a five-year NFL veteran who has played in 73 career games (19 starts) across all five positions on the offensive line. Shortly after Bates’ arrival, the Bears signed former Rams center Coleman Shelton to a one-year deal. The 28-year-old Shelton is a six-year NFL veteran who has played the majority of his snaps at center.
Shelton started all 17 games at center for the Rams in 2023 and has 32 starts over the last three seasons.
While the Bears seem to have the two tackle and guard positions set on their offensive line, they're preparing for a position battle at center.
“We’re always competing,” Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan said. “So, that’s exciting right now. Doug Kramer is playing his (rear end) off and working. We got three guys right there that can play center and play it well.
“(Shelton and Bates) have played a lot of football, so it’s exciting. Both of them are good football players. They’re athletic, they’re smart, they’re both tough. So, they really add a lot to the room. It’s been a great transition so far.”
The Bears targeted Bates when he was a restricted free agent two years ago. The Bills matched the Bears' offer sheet and retained him for the last two years. But as Buffalo encountered salary cap challenges this offseason, Bates became expendable and Bears general manager Ryan Poles landed his prior target.
Coincidentally, the draft pick that was sent from Chicago to Buffalo for Bates – No. 144 overall in the fifth round – was reacquired by the Bears to select pass rusher Austin Booker. The Bills landed a 2025 fourth-round pick in that swap.
Bates’ value to the Bears can be traced in large part to his versatility, as he could be a top reserve for all three interior positions if he doesn't start at center. Starting guards Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis started only 11 games apiece for the Bears in 2023 while dealing with injuries. That forced reserves to step in for a combined 12 starts at guard in place of Jenkins and Davis.
Shelton is an ascending player who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and was released by the 49ers, Titans and Cardinals before getting his chance with the Rams. He graded out as the 17th-best center in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus. By comparison, Lucas Patrick ranked 30th as the Bears’ primary starting center.
Kramer, 25, was a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2022 and has been developing under Morgan's watch.
The Bears sought stability at center this offseason as they prepared for the arrival of Williams as the No. 1 overall pick. Bates, Shelton and Kramer will now get the opportunity to battle for the starting role and the right to hand the first snap to Williams.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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