The Chicago Bears changed Bradley Sowell’s position, how did that change his stock in 2019?
When Matt Nagy announced that Bradley Sowell would move from offensive tackle to tight end, there was an initial wave of surprise, followed but a supreme understanding of the move. To start, Sowell is just a swing tackle, who was expendable in his role.
Moving to tight end looks funny for an offensive lineman, but does make sense for Sowell. Remember, Nagy used him often in the 2018 season as a decoy and eventual pass-catching option.
So, we know that Sowell can block, he is an offsensive lineman. Last year, we learned he can catch. Why not move him to tight end? Now that he has officially a tight end, his role will essentially still be the same.
If all Bears are healthy, he is a sixth offensive lineman in heavy formations. If needed, he can run routes. Now, he just does not need to check himself into the game and declare himself eligible. He is always eligible.
Still, the sixth offensive lineman is the biggest part. This is a way to get an added blocker on the field while keeping the threat of run in play.
Matt Nagy has always talked about needing three different tight ends. One is to block, one to go up the seams, and the other to move around the formation. Trey Burton is the move player, Adam Shaheen is the seam splitter. It appears as though Nagy has a role carved out for Sowell as the blocking tight end.
Sowell went from a tackle who was potentially on the roster bubble, to a player who fills a role that Nagy has talked openly about using. That has to be a win for Sowell