The work the Chicago Bears did in the offseason to add talent to the offensive line was masterfully done by general manager Ryan Poles.
Not only did the team secure three great veterans in free agency or via trade, but they might have found their left tackle of the future in rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo. One of those offseason signings that is underrated by Bears fans is center Drew Dalman, who is in the first year of his three-year, $42 million contract.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was asked about Dalman in his press conference, with the signal caller using that time to show his appreciation for what Dalman has meant to the offensive line.
"Drew Dalman is a, like I said, I call my O-linemen The Avengers. So, all of them collectively form a very formidable team to go out there and go to war with, but Drew Dalman is, I call Drew Dalman the Hulk. He's the brains and all of it, but when he gets out there and, you know, on the field, he's strong as he can be, fast, and the right guy for the job, for us and my future and our future here. So I'm excited for that, and I'm happy that he is here with us and with me. We're going to keep growing together, and we're going to continue to find ways to help each other out in this tenure that we have together."
Dalman has made a significant difference to Bears' offensive line in 2025
Much of the attention among the new additions to the Bears' offensive line is on Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, who both have had great seasons for Chicago. The offensive line has been great this season, allowing 23 sacks on the season, which is well behind the NFL-high 68 sacks the Bears' offensive line allowed last season.
Dalman, though, is on another level with how great he has been commanding the middle of the offensive line and holding strong there. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 80.6, the fifth highest out of 39 centers in the NFL. He has had two penalties called against him, allowed one quarterback hit, and one sack on the season.
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This is a much different-looking Bears offensive line from 2024, and Dalman might be the most critical piece to that puzzle this year.