Now that the Chicago Bears have played four games we have a big enough sample size to discuss what has been going on along the offensive line. How has each individual member looked at each position this season?
- Braxton Jones, 274 snaps
You could make a strong case that Braxton Jones has been the Bears' best lineman through four games. Whether that is a good thing or not is up for debate, but he has been reliable, without missing any time. He also brings a high floor because he is a good run blocker. He has not improved much as a pass blocker since his rookie season, and penalties have been an issue for him throughout his career. Still, he came into the NFL as an average to slightly below-average starter, and he remains that through two seasons and four games
Braxton Jones grade: B+
- Teven Jenkins 227 Snaps, Matt Pryor (left guard) 49 snaps
Teven Jenkins played the first three games in full, then had to leave early into the week four win against the Los Angeles Rams. Before his injury, it was pretty clear that Jenkins was the Bears' top lineman. He has allowed two sacks this season, so the lows are a bit lower, but his highs have been the best for the team.
Matt Pryor came in when Jenkins was injured and it took him a couple of series to pick up playing on a different side. Once he settled in, the run game started to get going.
Teven Jenkins Grade: B-
Matt Pryor RG Grade: C
- Coleman Shelton 276 snaps
Coleman Shelton has been one of the biggest weaknesses on the team. To be fair, he was not expected to start until injuries to both Ryan Bates and Nate Davis pushed him. He also has a new quarterback, team, and play-caller. Still, a lot of his issues are physical and just being overpowered. Still, the mental lapses are there as well, and he has caused the team to reduce the playbook.
Coleman Shelton Grade: D-
- Nate Davis, 138 snaps, Matt Pryor (right guard) 100 snaps, Ryan Bates 38 snaps
Nate Davis has been a disaster since the team signed him. Last year, he missed a lot of the offseason and it took him a few games to shake off the rust. This year, he missed a good chunk of the offseason, and the team did not allow him the same amount of time to shake things off before moving to Matt Pryor.
Pryor is technically their third option at right guard, so this is not the perfect answer. Still, for his role and where he stands on the team, he has done just fine here.
Ryan Bates got limited work here before leaving with an injury.
Nate Davis Grade: D
Matt Pryor Right Guard Grade: B-
Ryan Bates Grade: C
- Darnell Wright, 275 snaps
A lot of the same issues that impacted Darnell Wright are showing up for him on tape again this year. He has great size and knows how to use his power, but his feet can get too heavy at times. He struggles to get to the second level and you often see him lunging and missing his target. In pass protection, rushers who have inside moves and speed counters can zoom past him with ease. Still, not many power rushers will get anywhere against him. Wright has been fine, but for a top-ten pick in year two, you really wanted to see more.