James Daniels has been regarded as a center prospect, but in the short term, he may be moving to guard for the Chicago Bears in the short term
James Daniels was a grade A pick as he was easily one of the best players available at a position of need. However, the question now comes, what position? It was assumed that he would stick to his natural position of center, and Cody Whitehair would move to guard, where, he was more naturally slotted. However, in the short term, Whitehair stays at center and Daniels is on to guard.
James Daniels will start off at left guard. Cody Whitehair will remain at center to start for the #Bears.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) April 28, 2018
This can be logical in one sense. Daniels is an athletic offensive lineman who lacks power. In the NFL, you are pulling your guards much more often, and while it is nice to get a center out in space, with interior pressure becoming a new fad thanks to the Los Angelas Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles, it is important to have an anchor at that base spot.
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While the team gets Daniels strong enough to man the middle, they have Whitehair who obviously can play either slot.
As my esteemed colleague also suggests, just the idea of versatility across this offensive line is a huge change compared to last season. Injuries happen, you know.
So perhaps #Bears keep Whitehair at center. Here's what'll be nice:
— Bill Zimmerman (@ZimmermanSXM) April 28, 2018
James Daniels, Cody Whitehair and Eric Kush can all play guard and center. Kyle Long can play both guard and tackle. Provides Bears great versatility on their line when inevitable injuries occur. https://t.co/RdzKUJ85Fm
Last season this team was moving Bradley Sowell from tackle to guard. That does not feel possible for them at this point. Center or guard, it should be a good fit next to Whitehair. The Chicago Bears got the James Daniels pick right. They got high upside, the positional versatility and they filled a need with an impact starter.