Chicago Bears Draft: The offensive line can be mended with this late pick
The Chicago Bears offensive line is beyond fixing at this point. However, it can still be mended into a serviceable line by drafting Yasir Durant in the sixth round.
The offensive line regressed last season for the Chicago Bears. That is one of the most salient facts of the Bears season. While many want to see the Bears cut Charles Leno and Bobbie Massie, that just isn’t going to happen. Thanks to Ryan Pace, the two have current contract situations that limit what the team is able to do.
Cutting Massie, according to sportrac.com, would result in a $10.8 million hit in dead cap space. He could be released in 2021 with a much lesser hit. Charles Leno, after restructuring, is looking at $7.3 million in dead money this year and $5 million in 2021. So he might be here for a little while. Maybe he becomes an expensive backup in 2021.
Enter Yasir Durant. The 6’6″ 331-pound tackle played guard in junior college and became a tackle at the more significant level in Missouri. Most would say he should play on the right side as that strong side run blocker, but I see him continuing his place at blindside protector.
Rashaad Coward can’t seem to get steady playing time at one position. From defensive tackle to right tackle to right guard and more. It is just chaotic for him. If the Chicago Bears can figure out what they want to do with Coward and Alex Bars on the right side, Durant could find a home being the back up left side player and potentially become something. With how poorly Leno played at times in 2019, Durant could become something sooner than expected.
Next. Second-Round Mock Draft. dark
This year’s draft class is loaded at tackle up top. Grabbing a day one starter at tackle might be very hard for the Chicago Bears. The way the contracts are for the current tackles, Ryan Pace should try to find a developmental player with a high upside like Durant on Day 3. The class may be top-heavy in sacks, but its also loaded in Day 3 talent. I would steer clear of drafting him on Day 2. That would be a significant reach.