Round 5, Pick No. 148: The Chicago Bears select Zach Tom, OT – Wake Forest
While the Chicago Bears spent two draft picks last year on offensive tackles— Teven Jenkins (2.39) and Larry Borom (5.151)— Ryan Poles has made it clear that the offensive line needs TLC.
And with the Bears having bigger needs than OL earlier in the draft, it makes sense to tackle the offensive line a little later, once Justin Fields gets his weapons.
Sure, the sight in people’s minds right now is the graphic of the quarterback getting sacked before they can even throw it to their weapon, but with free agency still open and the NFL season months away, the starting offensive line probably won’t be what it is today.
Bengals fans debating Sewell vs. Chase at #5 is my favorite thing on the internet right now: pic.twitter.com/jAQksimtAA
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) April 3, 2021
That’s where the Zach Tom selection comes into play.
Tom is an offensive tackle that made some ears perk up, but he’s not necessarily in the realm of Evan Neal or Ikem Ekonwu.
And while the above sentence rings true, defensive linemen won’t roll their eyes once lined up against Zach Tom.
The @seniorbowl is looking live at @WakeFB vs. @UofLFootball. Getting a good up-close view of Wake LT Zach Tom (@zachtom5). Quick and strong-handed technician has repped at OC for Wake and that’s where he projects best for next level. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️#BestoftheBest pic.twitter.com/0R6ZZrYtyG
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 2, 2021
With Ryan Poles being a former offensive lineman himself, there are likely things he sees that other scouts don’t. And that’s not a knock on scouts, but it’s a testament to Poles’ playing days.
He might not have been the best offensive line, but when you’ve done something at the highest level, even if not for a long career, you see the qualities that make the greats what they are.
Zach Tom, due to his smaller size for an offensive tackle (6’4.5″, 304 lbs), will likely drop a bit in the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether it’s Round 5 Pick No. 148, who’s to say?
However, if the Chicago Bears have a chance to draft him at 148, there’s more reason showing why they should than why they shouldn’t.
Even if the Chicago Bears draft Zach Tom, there are still spots on the line that Borom or Jenkins can jump to or vice versa.
All-in-all, while Zach Tom could improve in areas, he’s a player that could absolutely jump in on day one and claim a starting spot on the Chicago Bears offensive line.
Does Ryan Poles continue the offensive line route, or do the Chicago Bears go a different direction with their next pick?