Tayo Fabuluje Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series continues with a profile of rookie tackle, #73 Tayo Fabuluje. That means there are only 73 more days until the Chicago Bears open the regular season against the rival Green Bay Packers.
The Chicago Bears added some offensive line depth in round 6 by drafting T Tayo Fabuluje from TCU with the 183rd overall pick. Fabuluje is a massive lineman (6’6 | 353) though he had his weight down to 332 pounds for his pro day. That is an impressive weight considering that he started the 2014 season at 376 pounds.
Fabuluje has had an unusual college career. In 2012 he was the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the year, in 2013 he was out of football due to financial and family issues, and in 2014 he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention as the starting tackle for a TCU team that just missed competing for the national championship. For more on Fabuluje’s unusual journey, check out this story from SB Nation.
What to Expect from Fabuluje in 2015
If Fabuluje can keep his weight under control, he has the potential to be a quality NFL lineman. He played tackle in college, but most scouts believe that Fabuluje will move inside to guard at the next level. He has elite power with the ability to be a force as a run blocker. His pass protection technique needs a lot of work, but his natural size makes it challenging for defenders to get around him and his strength negates most bull rush attempts.
Fabuluje’s feet are surprisingly nimble for a large man, he just needs some coaching on what to do with them. He only played two years of college football, so its understandable that his technique is raw. The size and natural power are there for Fabuluje to be an effective NFL player, but his technique needs to be cleaned up and may keep him on the bench for a season or two.
Fabuluje is listed as the 3rd string right tackle and that could be the position the Bears ultimately envision him playing. I don’t see him contributing much this season, but with uncertainty at the position Fabuluje could be called on earlier than expected. Most likely he spends the majority of this season on the sidelines and maybe even ends up on the practice squad to hone his technique, and then competes for playing time in 2016. Fabuluje has the talent to play in the league, but it might not be till the 2nd half of his rookie contract.
Next: Which Bears Made the 2015 All-NFC North Team?