Chicago Bears: Day 2 Targets – Offensive Line

Guard:

Laken Tomlinson, Duke (6’3 | 323 | 5.22)

My top rated guard in the draft who could very well be available with the Bears 2nd round pick. Tomlinson has a nice mix of power, agility, and intelligence. He was the only guard at the Senior Bowl who could handle DT Danny Shelton 1-1, which is a pretty impressive considering the 30-50 pound weight difference.

Whether or not most of these players are targets of the Bears depends on whether the Bears move Kyle Long outside. If not, the Bears are in pretty good shape at guard with Long, Slauson, and promising 2nd-year player Ryan Groy and the Bears probably won’t spend a day 2 pick on a guard. If they do move Long outside, I would still be surprised if the Bears use a day 2 pick since Groy is a pretty good fit for the power running scheme HC John Fox wants to implement. If they don’t consider Groy a starting caliber OG, then a player like Tomlinson is definitely in the mix early on day 2.

Tre Jackson, Florida St (6’4 | 330 | 5.49)

Powerful run blocker who moves defenders off the ball consistently. Jackson has surprising athleticism for his size and can pull and trap if needed. His strength is run blocking, but has shown flashes of being a solid pass blocker as well. His technique needs to get more consistent as Jackson had some lapses in pass pro late in the season and his weight could be an issue as well. Jackson was one of the best interior lineman at the Senior Bowl which could have boosted his draft stock into the 2nd round.

I’ve already mentioned the Long situation at length and it applies here as well. Jackson is a mauling run blocker and if the Bears truly want to implement a power scheme than Jackson would be a solid pick in round 2 and a potential steal in round 3.

Mitch Morse, Missouri (6’5 | 305 | 514)

Versatile lineman who could play RT, G, or C at the next level. Morse doesn’t have elite athleticism but has good feet, NFL strength and can win phone booth battles. Morse has a strong punch in pass pro and seals well in the run game. He could struggle with speed rushers if he ends up at RT, but at guard it won’t be as much of an issue. Morse’s versatility, feet and strength should earn him a spot on day 2 and should find a starting role somewhere early in his career.

The Bears have potential needs at C, G, and RT and Morse could fill any of them as a starter by year 2 of his career. Morse might be a small reach in round 3, but his ability to play multiple positions and NFL readiness really limits his bust potential.