Chicago Bears beat reporter validates popular fan theory about free-agent bust

For the second straight offseason, Chicago Bears' right guard Nate Davis has faced questions about his availability.

While present for most of the Bears' offseason program, Davis was limited to only conditioning drills as during the practices that were in front of the team's beat reporters, Davis often was spotted on the sidelines instead of being involved in drills.

Speaking with reports prior to the team breaking for the remainder of the offseason until Training Camp next month, Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus seemed to suggest that Davis' starting spot on the offensive line was not certain.

That sentiment was shared by Adam Jahns of The Athletic (Subscription Required) as he mentioned that the starting right guard spot may be up for grabs during Training Camp.

But my gut feeling is that there will also be a competition at right guard in training camp. The Bears will tell you they’re searching for their best five linemen. That could be Shelton at center and Bates at right guard over Davis.

-Adam Jahns, The Athletic

Coleman Shelton starting at center would be somewhat of an upset. While the Bears have rotated Shelton and Ryan Bates at center with the first-team offense for most of the offseason, the expectation has been that Bates would serve as the starting center once the season starts.

As long as the right guard spot is up for grabs, the Bears may want to consider shifting Teven Jenkins back over to the right side of the offensive line. When Jenkins stepped in that spot in place of an injured Davis last season, that side of the line was dominant with the pairing of Jenkins and right tackle Darnell Wright.

However, the larger concern is that Davis has been looking like a major free-agent bust since signing his three-year deal with the Bears prior to last season.