It’s the dawn of a new day for the Chicago Bears. With Caleb Williams looking to turn the franchise around, putting together a consistent and reliable offensive line has never been more important.
In each of the last three drafts prior to 2024, the Bears have committed to finding improved play along the offensive line. Now, we’re seeing the long-term commitment bear fruit. Linemen selected in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 drafts will all be slated to start in this upcoming season. Interestingly enough, all were drafted on different days.
2023 first-rounder Darnell Wright might be the most promising of them all. Now going into his sophomore season, Wright proved to be well worth his top-10 selection as one of the most impressive rookie linemen in the league last year. Opposite of Wright, 2022 fifth-rounder Braxton Jones looks to solidify himself as a franchise tackle, especially after a strong start to his career.
With Wright and Jones both early in their careers, there’s reason to be optimistic about the future for Bears fans. Getting those positions locked down with a young QB takes care of a ton of potential issues.
There’s also former Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins, a day-two selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, who’s capable of playing both guard and tackle. Jenkins has moved around the line every year he’s been in the league and is now slated to play left guard. Oftentimes, offensive linemen prefer to stay in one position, moving for a third time in three years is a testament to Jenkins' abilities to adapt.
At the center of the starting lineup will be Coleman Shelton, who was a reliable, every-game starter for an impressive LA Rams offense last season. Shelton joined the Bears on a one-year, $3 million deal to try to take over the starting center duties of this offense. Shelton was a 13-game starter for the Rams' Super Bowl-winning team and brings veteran leadership to pair with his rookie quarterback.
On his right, if healthy, will be Nate Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Bears last year. Davis suffered multiple ankle injuries in 2023, with one being in the last game of the year. Davis is a productive football player when he’s on the field.
All in all, this starting group is enticing. This could be a unit capable of playing with the best in the league.
Depth is crucial over a long 17-game season. The Bears made astute moves with their 73rd pick, selecting Yale tackle Kiran Amegadjie, whom I graded highly in last year's class. Additionally, they traded for Ryan Bates, a depth piece with 23 starts over five seasons in Buffalo, who can challenge Shelton for the starting center role.
Swing tackle Larry Borom has seen significant action since being drafted by the Bears in 2021, providing valuable insurance in case of injuries to Jones or Wright. Ja'Tyre Carter, entering his third year with the Bears after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, will compete for a roster spot as a versatile backup after logging 176 snaps in 2023.
The Bears have structured quite an offensive line through the draft and created competition through free agency and trades. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has used every tool in the shed to structure this offensive line. Time will tell if his investments will pay off. The Bears could surprise a lot of people given the talent they have across the board complemented by a potent-when-healthy offensive line.
