Chicago Bears are building something different with Matt Nagy
The Chicago Bears went hot and heavy in the trenches since having Matt Nagy. Before Matt Nagy, Ryan Pace drafted four offensive linemen from 2015 to 2017. Only Cody Whitehair was drafted early. I understand why he didn’t focus on finding better talent on the offensive line, but I can’t entirely agree with it.
Since Matt Nagy has arrived, Ryan Pace has drafted two in the top 50. The Chicago Bears have needed the injection of the youth, but Pace has also taken more shots on UDFAs and late, Day 3 offensive line prospects. Since 2018, the prospects come with a run-blocking pedigree and love for football.
Some can say that all offensive linemen love football, but there wouldn’t be players like Isaiah Wilson if that were the case. James Daniels, Lachavious Simmons, Arlington Hambright, Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom all have been known for their run-blocking and determination.
James Daniels was the most undersized prospect of the five offensive linemen, but he had some highlights of him driving linebackers into oblivion when he could. Daniels bulked up in 20202 but tore his pectoral muscle, which ended his season. The Chicago Bears will have a new identity on the offensive line this upcoming season.
The Chicago Bears might lack some pass protection skills at first, but they will be the team that comes to kick the butt of an opposing team’s front seven. The offensive line is not set. Many feel they know who is going to play where already. The only thing that seems set is Cody Whitehair staying at (left) guard.
Next. Pace's track record with top-50 draft picks. dark
Matt Nagy has stated how he likes Whitehair there. Center should become a battle between James Daniels and Sam Mustipher. If you look at the Chicago Bears official roster, all of the players are listed at OL. That is a sign that the team will be very flexible in figuring out who goes where. But something Jenkins and Borom have that Elijah Wilkinson also has is the run-blocking anger and size.