With the 39th selection in the 2018 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears take James Daniels, Center Iowa
It was suspected that the Chicago Bears could go interior line here. In our mock draft that featured Roquan Smith being selected, we went Billy Price in round two. To be completely honest, the assumption was that Daniels would be off of the board and that Price would be the best option available.
Come to find out, it is Price who is gone and Daniels who is around. In my humble opinion, this was a good thing for the Chicago Bears. So, how does it grade out?
Need?
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As mentioned, the need is huge. The Bears needed interior help. James Daniels can play guard, but he is a tried and true center. This means Cody Whitehair is going back to center. After a poor sophomore slump in 2017, this may be for the better. So, now the Chicago Bears enter the season with an interior of Whitehair in his natural position, Kyle Long healthy and James Daniels at center. Giddy up.
Value?
Hits the highest threshold. I am not expert at this. However, I had James Daniels as a top twenty prospect. As mentioned, I had assumed that teams would covet him over Billy Price. It is no knock on Price, Price is strong and can anchor a line. However, Daniels is much more athletic, and much longer of a person. I mean look at his athletic profile.Lack of reach can really hurt Price against imposing bigger sized tackles.
Daniels thrives against size and out in space. Daniels has to work on his playing strength, and he can miss out in space at times as well. However, his athletic upside and fluid movements make him an excellent option at 39. They can get him in the gym. Harry Hiestand knows what he is working with. This is a steal at this timing of the draft and Daniels is arguably better than options already off of the board.