Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Austin Corbett

Is Nevada Guard prospect Austin Corbett a fit for the Chicago Bears?

Austin Corbett redshirted one season while he sat behind NFL prospect Joel Bitonio. From there, he took over for Bitonio as a starting left tackle for the next three years. However, like Bitonio, while he excelled at left tackle he projects to the NFL as an interior lineman. Can Corbett find NFL success in the interior in the same way? Does Austin Corbett make sense for the Chicago Bears?

Measurables:

Age: 22

School: Nevada

Strengths

Austin Corbett is a very technically refined prospect. He does a strong job getting out of his stance with a strong initial punch. Corbett also plays with power and is able to finish off runs. This, along with his lateral quickness is what gives comfort in his move to guard. Corbett is able to get out in space laterally to the edge and upfield to the second level to seal lanes in the running game.

Weaknesses

Everything about his move to guard in the NFL is projection based. He was strong enough to hold up at tackle in college, but does not have the reach to hold up against quicker, bendier edge rushers. In his shift to guard, he will have to work on his core strength. He can get out into the second level while protecting in the run, but against the pass, his balance and playing strength will be tested in his new position.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Nevada offensive lineman Austin Corbett speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

A fit for Chicago Bears

If the Bears miss out on Quenton Nelson, there is a chance that three guards will be gone by their second round pick. Isaiah Wynn and Will Hernandez are highly regarded, and it could have the Bears looking into the next tier of performers when it comes to finding a long term guard starter.

This could leave the option of Austin Corbett open. Everyone talks about the hiring of Harry Hiestand as offensive line coach being a sign for Nelson. However, Hiestand is also a stellar coach with a variety of knowledge on every offensive line prospect. If Hiestand feels as though he is up to the challenge of coaching up Corbett in a position change, you trust his opinion on it. There would be no better coach for Corbett, so if Hiestand thinks he is the coach to do it, it would almost certainly be an optimistic fit.

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