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Rookie Expectations: James Daniels

By Bill Zimmerman

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels 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)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels 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) /
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There are big things expected from rookie James Daniels on the offensive line, here’s what he could do in year one.

The Chicago Bears were thrilled that the were able to bolster the interior of their offensive line when they selected James Daniels in the second round. Most expected the selection of Daniels to mean that Cody Whitehair would move back to guard, but the Bears plan to use Whitehair at center still and have Daniels work in at guard. What could Daniels be for the Bears in 2018? Let’s take a look.

Best-Case Scenario

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Daniels shines all summer long and cements himself starting at guard opposite Kyle Long and next to Whitehair. The Bears interior trio which was promising with Josh Sitton, looks just as good and younger with Daniels replacing Sitton. Daniels strengthens the running game even more showing that he can mow the field for Jordan Howard and proves to be solid with pass protection as well. Daniels establishes himself as a staple for the Bears offensive line and earns himself all-rookie honors this year.

Worst-Case Scenario

Daniels looks pretty good in the run game during training camp, but struggles in pass protection. He looks shaky in preseason at times, but the Bears still want to give the rookie a shot and he is part of the starting offensive line in week one against Green Bay. After Eric Kush gets a few reps, it becomes clear that Kush is currently a better lineman than Daniels and Daniels is relegated to the bench. The Bears are still hopeful for Daniels in year two and only see his struggles in year one as part of the learning curve.

Odds Are

Daniels earns a starting position out of camp and has a solid campaign all season long. Daniels becomes an asset in the running game and is good enough in pass protection. Daniels may not be able to hold his pass blocks for too long and gets bull rushed by the larger noses, but with Matt Nagy’s offense, Mitch Trubisky is getting the ball out much quicker and Daniels struggles in pass pro are masked.

Daniels year is definitely good enough to be part of the all-rookie team, but with Quenton Nelson and Will Hernandez ahead of him, Daniels misses out on that honor but the Bears are very pleased with his season and know that he is a part of this team’s future moving forward.

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