Chicago Bears Eyeing this Promising Offensive Lineman in the Upcoming Draft
The Chicago Bears recently invited Clemson tackle Jordan McFadden to Halas Hall for one of their top 30 pre-draft visits. This move is logical, as McFadden has experience playing both left and right tackle during his time at Clemson.
Chicago Bears Might Transform Jordan McFadden into an NFL CenterThe primary reason the Chicago Bears are considering Jordan McFadden is to assess his potential as a center and gauge his comfort level in that position. McFadden's athletic profile lists him at just 6'2", which is on the shorter side even for a center, but his arm length compensates for it on the inside.
Having played in a zone-heavy scheme, McFadden could be a good fit as a zone center, which is what the team is likely seeking.
Other teams have similar thoughts about McFadden. Although he performed well at Clemson and has a promising NFL future, it's clear that his future won't be at tackle. During his Pro Day, McFadden spent the entire session inside, with most of his highlights featuring him at center.
There's more projection involved with McFadden than other prospects, but it's not uncommon for college tackles to transition to center or guard positions. The best linemen often play tackle until they reach the highest level.
Private workouts like McFadden's are perfect opportunities to evaluate specific attributes and seek answers to lingering questions behind closed doors. Expected to be a day-three pick, McFadden could be a valuable addition for the Bears if they miss out on bigger-name centers in the second round.
With Cody Whitehair on the roster, McFadden wouldn't need to start immediately, allowing the team to monitor his progress throughout the season. If Whitehair were to suffer an injury, the Bears could determine if McFadden is ready to step up.
Ultimately, this strategy could lead to a solid solution at the center position by 2024.
| POLL | ||
3 AVRIL | 103 ANSWERS Chicago Bears Eyeing this Promising Offensive Lineman in the Upcoming Draft Is the offensive line the biggest weakness on the Bears' roster? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 60.2 % |
| No | 41 | 39.8 % |
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