Chicago Bears could make a Super Bowl run with this starting lineup
The big men up front
We will start with the offensive line and then work our way to the defensive line. Take note that there will be some bold takes here as I have faith in a few guys that many, including the coaching staff, might not agree with.
Offensive Line
Right Tackle – Charles Leno
Whoa. What? Yeah, I am getting a bit crazy here, but between Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, I do believe Leno is the more talented lineman. Leno is a solid blocker despite a poor 2019 season. His penalties have been a killer, but Pro Football Focus has given him a combined 70.1, 78.7 and 75.8 blocking grades the three seasons prior to 2019. His run blocking was horrible last year, but before 2019 he had a 69.0 and 75.6 run-blocking grades.
Right Guard – Larry Warford
The longer Larry Warford is on the market, the more his price is driven down. If the Bears wait it out and land Warford for $5 to $6 million in AAV, they have the means to make the numbers work. If they cannot afford him, I’d give Alex Bars a shot before Germain Ifedi.
Center – Cody Whitehair
No explanation needed here
Left Guard – James Daniels
James Daniels proved he cannot handle the starting center gig. He just does not have the command needed or the ability to point out blitz schemes. Daniels is an adequate left guard.
Left Tackle – Jason Peters
Just like Larry Warford, Peters seems to still be available, which means his cost should keep going down. Even at 38 years old he has put up some elite blocking grades in the last few years. Moving Leno to right tackle and locking Peters in at left could be the key to a 2020 Super Bowl run. An extension to Allen Robinson could free up the money needed for this move.
Defensive Line
Left End – Akiem Hicks
Thank goodness Akiem Hicks is back and will be healthy. The Chicago Bears defense needs him to remain elite. Shall he go down with another major injury, the defense will go from a top-three defense to somewhere in the top 10.
Nose Tackle – Eddie Goldman
Possibly the most underrated or at least underappreciated player on the defense.
Right End – Bilal Nichols
I had a tough time on this one. I could see Roy Robertson-Harris being the better option here. I essentially went with Nichols since his missed tackle rate has never been worse than 6.9 percent, whereas Robertson-Harris saw a 14.3 percent missed tackle rate in increased action last year. Robertson-Harris has been a more consistent pass rusher though. It will depend on what Chuck Pagano wants from the position.