When the Chicago Bears went out of their way to acquire two new offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft there were plenty of questions about how the offensive line would be shaking out afterwards.
However, when the Bears instantly cut Charles Leno, it became clear that Teven Jenkins was very likely to slot into left tackle. Still, many thought we would be seeing Jenkins at right and Leno at left, so with Jenkins to the left, there is a question as to who will play right?
Germain Ifedi finished the year at RT, but was signed to play RG after he failed at tackle in Seattle. Elijah Wilkinson was a free agent signee with RT experience, and Larry Borom was drafted to compete at RT.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo believes that the rookie Borom will be able to compete for time. However, he is currently behind the starter Germain Ifedi until Borom proves himself. While Borom being in a battle may be a good sign for his chances to get on the field as a rookie, Juan Castillo also noted that it will be hard to catch Ifedi, because he has high hopes for the former first rounder.
#Bears OL coach Juan Castillo: I wouldn't be surprised if RT Germain Ifedi makes the Pro Bowl this year.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) May 12, 2021
The Pro Bowl is not what it used to be, but again Ifedi was barely considered a right tackle at all at this point last year. Now, he is the starter, and Juan Castillo is talking Pro Bowl.
That is a lot of talk, and most of it is a coaching hyping his man up. Still, it does become clear now that Jenkins will be locked into the left side, and that the coaches are really buying the final stretch of games from Ifedi on the right side. It would be a surprise to see anyone else start there week one.
With James Daniels healthy, and Cody Whitehair in the mix, the question now is who is the third interior man to join them, and who is playing center?