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Connor McGovern is a versatile OL option for Chicago Bears

By Parker Hurley

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Connor McGovern #66 of the Penn State Nittany Lions signals from the line against the Maryland Terrapins defense in the second quarter at Capital One Field on November 25, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 25: Offensive lineman Connor McGovern #66 of the Penn State Nittany Lions signals from the line against the Maryland Terrapins defense in the second quarter at Capital One Field on November 25, 2017 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Could the Chicago Bears draft Connor McGovern in the middle rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft?

The Chicago Bears have shown interest in Penn State running back Miles Sanders. It is clear that in watching Sanders that Connor McGovern has come across their eyes at some point as well.

Connor McGovern is a guard/center prospect expected to go somewhere near the Chicago Bears third round pick. Would he fit and could they take a chance on him in the 2019 NFL draft?

Measurables:

McGovern has great size, and is an above average athlete for his position.

Strengths

McGovern is going to be coveted for his versatility. He put in work at guard and center for Penn State and held his own at each spot. He told reporters that NFL teams have been at about a 50/50 split in terms of what position he is going to play.

Wherever he plays he has mobility as shown in his athleticism. He also displays power in his run blocking and patience in his pass sets as shown in the play below. DreMont Jones, the player he takes on has NFL draft hype this year as well.

Weakness

As a run blocker, he is more comfortable pulling than he is pulling off combination blocks. While he graded above average as a run blocker, Pro Football Focus rated him below average in penalties, pass rush percentage and pressures allowed.

Granted, his worst year for penalties was in 2016, he still is much more active as a mauler getting out and pulling than he is holding his own against interior pass rushers.

NFL.com scouting report:

"Reliable run blocker with NFL-ready size and strength but exploitable holes in his pass sets that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. His starting experience at both center and guard could bring additional interest in McGovern, who would be a bigger, stronger option at center for teams facing odd-front power in their division. He is a good fit in gap and inside-zone run schemes, but his tendency to over-set in pass protection could be challenging to correct. He’s an early starter as a Day 2 pick, but Year 1 could have ups and downs."

His pass rush questions are consistent in Pro Football Focus and NFL.com scouting.

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Skinny

Despite his pass blocking questions the Bears are going to like Connor McGovern. To start, they are going to like his versatility. The Bears lost Eric Kush, and while they did bring in Ted Larsen, a young swing guard who can slide into center is something worth targeting.

The Bears also moved James Daniels from a center with guard experience to a starting guard. Could McGovern follow that same line?

His athleticism and power should give the Chicago Bears something to look into. While he will need work to get onto an NFL field right away, he can sit behind Kyle Long with the hopes of stepping in for the future.

At the worst, Connor McGovern is a depth option who can fill in at guard or center in a pinch and bring a power presence.

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