When the Chicago Bears added Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton this offseason the thought was that the center position would be resolved. Not only did they have a starter, they had a quality backup, and both could arguably be upgrades from what the team had last year.
However, in typical Bears fashion, the line has not come together as expected. The plan was that Bates would get the first crack at center because the team really liked his athletic fit. Then, they would have a trustworthy backup with Coleman Shelton who has experience with Shane Waldron.
The issue is that Nate Davis has not been healthy. So, the team uses Bates, who has the most versatility to fill in at right guard. This pushes Shelton into the starting role. Shelton is good enough that this is not an issue on its own.
Chicago Bears facing uncertainty at the center position.
However, at some point, you would like the Chicago Bears to figure out who the starting center is and stick with it. One of the biggest issues in recent years has not been the lack of talent, but rather the constant shuffle along the line. Take Teven Jenkins for example. He rotates between being unhealthy and playing four of the five offensive line spots throughout his career. This has not helped anyone, especially him.
The rotation at center is not going to help. One of the best cases for Caleb Williams is that he is being placed into one of the best situations a top pick can be placed in. However, in half of the practices, he takes snaps from one center, half he takes snaps from another.
The communication, the details, and the consistency needed from a center-to-quarterback relationship are not being built as the Bears figure this out. The Nate Davis injury is not helping, but at some point, the Bears have to make a decision and stick with it moving forward. Either push Davis to the bench or find a different path to replace Davis. Caleb Williams needs a center.