10 bold predictions for Chicago Bears in 2023

4. One of Doug Kramer or Dieter Eiselen starts for the Chicago Bears at center

If this happens, Chicago Bears fans will be praising Ryan Poles for years to come. If there is one thing that Poles may have missed on this offseason, it is a capable starting center. He took Tyrique Stevenson over John Michael-Schmitz, and Noah Sewell went right before Olu Oluwatimi, so he had plenty of chances to address the spot.

The coaches are giving the starting job to Cody Whitheir, and Lucas Patrick is a capable backup. Still, both have serious questions, and neither is the long-term answer here. However, the Bears have also said that they have two longer-term options on the roster with Doug Kramer and Dieter Eiselen.

Eiselen will be entering year four, but he is a former UDFA from the Ryan Pace days. The difference is that Pace was progressing him at guard, while Poles has seen him grow at center. Now, he is in the mix. Doug Kramer went round seven and is entering year two. He missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury.

So, neither has proven anything, making it a bold call to say either will be relied on as a starter. Still, both will be in the mix and given a fair chance. Whitehair and Patrick have injury questions, and it may end with one of them being forced to step up and then never giving back the job.