Chicago Bears Draft Watch: Could Carson Wentz Be The Future?
By Grizz.
Landon Turner
Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Landon Turner (78) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Matchup: North Carolina Versus Clemson – Saturday, December 5th – 7 P.M. CT – ABC
Position: Guard
College: North Carolina
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 325
Pro Comparison: Laken Tomlinson
Projection: Round 2-3
Scouting Report:
Strengths:
An imposing blocker that allows for the game to come to him. He utilizes his low center of gravity, and lower body strength to set his stance and occupy rushers.
One on one, he can battle with the best of them and rarely allows for a defender to drive him backwards. His size allows for him to stay in a fixed spot.
A student of the game, Turner has great hand technique. Consistently engages blitzers with his hands, and is able to use his power to drive defenders out of the lane.
A polished prospect, and a relatively known commodity. Turner has an ample amount of snaps to watch on tape, and has progressed each of his years at UNC. Comes into the draft as a relatively safe selection.
Weaknesses:
Turner can rely on his size a bit too much in instances. Not only does he not have the range to stick with elite speed rushers, but lacks the fluidness to open up his hips to stick with defenders.
Allows for the game to come to him, which can be a double edged sword. At times can be surprised when a defender decides to engage him, rather than the other way around.
Why It Makes Sense:
The Chicago Bears need to finish the youth movement on their offensive line. There is no better way of doing this than to draft a guard to solidify the line for the next five or so years.
With a player like Turner on the Bears roster, the Bears would have a starting offensive line consisting of players the ages of 24 (Leno Jr.), 29 (Slauson), 24 (Grasu), 22 (Turner) and 27 (Long). That is an average age of 25.2 years.
This would make them a young line that would be filled with talent. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys have displayed just how much having a dominant offensive line can help your ball club.
Turner would be the final piece to the puzzle that is the Bears offensive line, and very well could be one of the best.
Next: Wentz