Chicago Bears: Moves Ryan Pace must make now to save the season

As the 2021 NFL Draft approached, Chicago Bears fans knew that offensive tackle had to be a focus. However, fans’ perception of the offensive line compared to reality was a little off. Many screamed from the top of their lungs for Charles Leno to be released despite his contract being below value for most starting left tackles. The best part about Leno was his consistent availability. The problem with Leno was that he was not dominant and nothing better than average.

The Chicago Bears moved on and addressed the tackle position not once, but twice in the 2021 NFL Draft. Ryan Pace traded up for Teven Jenkins in the second round. Jenkins was the highest draft pick Pace ever used on an offensive tackle, normally waiting for the sixth or seventh rounds. The best part is that Jenkins was projected as a late first-round pick by many — including myself.

Pace doubled-down at the offensive tackle position again in the fifth round when he drafted Larry Borom. Borom is not likely to see a starting nod in his rookie year, but I do think he could be the right tackle of the future for the Chicago Bears.

The Chicago Bears season is in jeopardy with offensive line woes

Both Jenkins and Borom have a bit of a mean streak to them when they put the pads on. They are the physical maulers this offensive line has not seen since the days of Kyle Long. The problem is, Teven Jenkins has been missing in action during training camp thus far. Just over a week into camp and Jenkins has missed every practice with back tightness. You might remember this issue with a former first-round offensive tackle — Chris Williams. Let us hope Jenkins does not see the same fate.

With Jenkins sidelined with back issues and Germain Ifedi also missing time due to a hip flexor injury, the defense has been living in the Bears backfield. Nearly every play it seems like Andy Dalton or Justin Fields would be sacked if in a real game. If the Chicago Bears and Ryan Pace truly want to win this season (is it possible Pace and Matt Nagy could be gone if they don’t?), then Pace better make a few moves to improve the offensive line — at least, if nothing else, the depth.