The Bears' offensive line has been a work in progress for years now. This offseason's moves suggest the front office finally understands what needs to happen. Let's break down what changed and what it means.
The Changes
First, the Bears declined the fifth-year option on their 2020 second-round pick at right tackle. That was the easy call. He's been inconsistent at best, and paying him $10 million would have been a mistake.
They also let their starting right guard walk in free agency. He was solid but not spectacular, and at 30 years old, he wasn't part of the long-term plan.
In their place, they drafted a tackle in the second round and signed a guard with starting experience on a prove-it deal.
What This Means for the Run Game
The new tackle brings athleticism the Bears haven't had on the right side in years. Watch his college tape—he's comfortable in space, can reach block effectively, and has the movement skills to execute outside zone runs.
That's crucial for what this offense wants to do. The Bears have committed to a run-heavy approach built around zone concepts. You need tackles who can move. The old regime tried to force power concepts with finesse linemen. That didn't work.
The new guard is a road grader. He's not going to pull and lead the way on tosses, but he'll create push in the A and B gaps. Pair that with a center who can reach block at the second level, and suddenly you have the makings of a credible inside zone attack.
Pass Protection Concerns
Here's the catch: the new tackle struggled against speed rushers in college. He's got the feet to handle them, but his hand placement needs work. If he gets beat clean early in the season, expect the Bears to slide protection his way or chip with a tight end.
The left side is solid. The left tackle is a Pro Bowler, and the left guard has been consistently above average. The center is the weak link in pass protection, but he's smart and rarely costs you with mental errors.
The Projection
If everything clicks, this line could be middle-of-the-pack. That might not sound exciting, but it would be a massive improvement over last year.
The run game should take a step forward immediately. The pieces are there for an effective zone scheme, and the backs have the vision to make it work.
Pass protection will depend on how quickly the rookie develops. If he struggles, it'll be a long season for the quarterback.
This wasn't a flashy offseason for the O-line, but it was a necessary one. The Bears identified their weaknesses and addressed them in a realistic way. Now it's on the players to execute.