Chicago Bears: Day 2 Targets – Offensive Line
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
By now most fans are familiar with the potential first round picks for the Chicago Bears with the 7th overall pick. There is enough written on every sports site out there to quickly catch up on the top 20 prospects in the draft, but in case you aren’t a draft expert I’m going to break down possible targets for the Bears on both offense and defense on day 2 and day 3. This isn’t a top heavy draft, but it is almost as deep as last years which was considered one of the best drafts in the last 20 years.
I’m going to list at least one prospect at every position on both sides of the ball to give you some more info on potential targets for the Bears on Friday and Saturday. As usual, if you have any complaints or advice about my picks let me know on Twitter or in the comment section.
Day 2 Targets – Offensive Line:
Tackle:
Jake Fisher, Oregon (6’6 | 306 | 4.97)
Good size, long arms, and moves his feet well enough to deal with speed rushers off the edge. Oregon’s offense struggled when Fisher was out for a few weeks and improved immediately on his return which reflects well on his impact. He moves very well for his size with the quick feet to handle the left side and a good enough run blocking technique to play on the right. Fisher is an intelligent player with no clear weak spots except a lack of elite strength and should be able to contribute on either side of the line right away.
There is talk of Fisher maybe sneaking into the back of the first round, so he may be gone by the time the Bears pick on day 2. If not, Fisher could be an upgrade on either side of the line for the Bears. I have him going to the Bucs four picks before the Bears, so it’s probably a long shot but a combination of former teammates Kyle Long and Fisher could solidify the tackle position for the next five years.
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Ty Sambrailo, Colorado St (6’6 | 311 | 5.38)
He’s dropping farther than he should on some draft boards due to an uneven performance at the Senior Bowl. Sambrailo was bullied by stronger DEs in Mobile showing a lack of strength that will be an issue at the next level. That being said, Sambrailo still has prototype size, arm length, and pass pro technique. His footwork is excellent, with a consistent kick-slide, above-average agility, and the change of direction ability to recover from mistakes. Sambrailo is also an aggressive run blocker who plays through the whistle and flashes a mean streak. With a year or two in an NFL strength program, Sambrailo could be a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.
The Bears are debating moving Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long to right tackle, which would solidify the right side but leave the left as a question mark. Jermon Bushrod was pretty solid in 2013, but struggled last year finishing 25th out of 32 starting LTs according to Pro Football Focus. It’s unknown how the new regime values Bushrod, but if they are looking for a replacement then a guy like Sambrailo makes a lot of sense. He has the footwork and hand skills to be a shut down left tackle, an angry demeanor on the field that Bears fans will love, and could be a Pro Bowl level LT if he gets a little stronger. Sambrailo’s potential is worth a round 2 selection.
Daryl Williams, Oklahoma (6’5 | 327 | 5.34)
Not an elite athlete, but does have elite blocking skills. Williams’ physical attributes aren’t exciting, but he has a natural affinity for blocking angles and leverage while playing with a mean streak that will endear him to Bears fans. He’s a strong run blocker with long enough arms (35″) to potentially be an above average pass blocker as well.
If the Bears don’t move Kyle Long to right tackle, than there is a definite need there for an upgrade of Jordan Mills. Even if they do move Long to RT, Williams could move inside to RG to fill the void left by moving Long outside and would be a solid back-up plan at RT if Long doesn’t handle the move well. Round 2 would be a reach, but Williams is a solid value pick in round 3.