Analyzing the financial impact of the Chicago Bears draft class
The Chicago Bears are counting on youth on the offensive line
The Chicago Bears already have two young offensive linemen they are hopeful to take leaps forward developmentally in Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. Jenkins was a second-round draft pick last season, but a back injury caused him to miss most of the 2021 season. We saw some flashes by Jenkins on the left side, but I truly believe he’s best suited as a right tackle. Larry Borom also showed flashes, but I’ll be honest, he had some rough times.
Should Borom prove himself worthy to start on the left, then this offensive line will be very solid. However, should he falter, Ryan Poles has added plenty of young insurance policies. Before we get to the new additions from the draft, it would be amiss to ignore the addition of Lucas Patrick. Patrick will be the starting center for the Bears in 2022 and is an instant upgrade over Sam Mustipher. Having Patrick in place automatically upgrades part of this offensive line.
Now, we saw the Chiefs overhaul their entire offensive line last offseason. With the addition of rookies Braxton Jones, Ja’Tyre Carter, Doug Kramer and Zachary Thomas, Ryan Poles has brought in guys who fit the scheme the offense is looking to install. I’d expect one of these rookies to work his way into the starting lineup at right guard. It’s also possible that should certain players be cut before the season starts that Poles may look to sign one or more. This could also be how he fixes the right guard spot should a rookie not work out.
It’s also possible that the Chicago Bears and Ryan Poles look to add some of the top veteran offensive linemen next year as only Cody Whitehair is making significant money on this offensive line.
Overall:
With the current situation, this team will have plenty of money to spend next year and the year after that. Even with an extension for Roquan Smith, Ryan Poles will have a serious salary cap to work with. He will also have a somewhat normal amount of picks in 2023. Poles has cleared out the Ryan Pace fat and is now putting his stamp on this team. If at least four of these 11 picks find a way to make an immediate impact, this team could look even better in 2022.