The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway. With 63 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight defensive lineman, Mitchell Kirsch.
2016 Review
Kirsch is an undrafted rookie out of James Madison. He spent most of his time at JMU at offensive tackle, mostly on the right side. Last season he played all 12 games at right tackle and was an FCS All-American.
2017 Outlook
Kirch’s size likely transitions him to a guard in the NFL. Unfortunately, if he had a chance to earn a roster spot in 2017, the better position to play would be at tackle. Kirsch will have to duel with Josh Sitton, Kyle Long, Eric Kush and Jordan Morgan to carve out a role. Those players have proven to be more talented and have a lot more invested in them than Kirsch. His best bet for the 2017 season is likely to show enough to training camp to make the practice squad for the year.
Future with the Bears
Given the change of position and competition, Kirsch could very easily spend multiple years on the practice squad. Continuity is key, and to have a groomed guard on the practice squad who could jump to the active roster in a pinch, Kirsch could be the guy. He will have to slowly work his way up and prove that he can be a steady backup, but that may be the best that he can get to, at least for the foreseeable future. That will be up to Kirsch, however, as he has a chance to prove the naysayers wrong in the 2017 season.