James Daniels, Chicago Bears Interior Offensive Lineman
Similar to Anthony Miller, James Daniels was an extremely hyped-up 2018 NFL Draft pick in the second round. Daniels showed plenty of his college tape at Iowa to show that he’d translate to the NFL. Daniels in some ways has translated greatly, just not exactly how the Bears expected him to.
The Bears expected Daniels to be their center of the future. Due to his size, he grades better as a center on paper. In his rookie season, he filled in for an injured Eric Kush at left guard and played well. He had his best game of the season against the red-hot Los Angeles Rams by shutting down elite defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
In 2019, the Bears integrated Daniels to the position they desired him at, center. They then moved Cody Whitehair to left guard. It was a disaster though as Daniels struggled greatly and eventually, the Bears moved him back to guard and their line instantly improved in the middle of the season.
To start 2020, Daniels was the best lineman on the Bears. He was mauling opposing defensive lines and looked great. Unfortunately, he tore his pectoral muscle early in the season and only played in five games. Now, Daniels needs to prove he can play that well again this season and earn himself a nice extension.