Perfect fit for the offensive line needy Bears?
Heading into the 2022 season arguably the biggest need the overall consensus could agree upon for the Chicago Bears was shoring up the offensive line and protecting QB Justin Fields.
The Bears attempted to do this in the 2021 draft by selecting Tevin Jenkins and Larry Borom. Jenkins underwent back surgery that derailed a large chunk of his rookie season. Due to injuries, Borom was able to see the field a fair amount starting 8 games for the Bears. Borom did show flashes but ultimately was a rookie at the position and did also face some growing pains.
The Bears will not select in the 1st round of the NFL Draft but will hold two selections in the 2nd round. The growing suspicion is that GM Ryan Poles will select an offensive lineman in the 2nd round.
This draft is loaded with offensive line prospects, now it's a matter of who is expected to fit the scheme and culture the Bears are building. Poles is looking for "nasty" prospects in the trenches, guys who aren't afraid to get into a bar fight and will play until the echo of the whistle. Also, with the Bears shifting to a west coast-style offense that will have the roots of an outside zone run blocking scheme, finding a prospect to check all those boxes are important.
Offensive tackle Tyler Smith (6-4 324 lbs) out of Tulsa would be a tremendous prospect for the Bears. Smith's natural position would be at Left Tackle, if selected this would allow Tevin Jenkins to move to the right side and his more natural position. Smith's tape stands out, he is extremely physical, looks for contact and has the length, quickness and power to win any matchup. Smith is also a stud in the run game, "PFF graded Smith a 93.9 run-blocking grade in 2021" This would be the highest run-blocking grade for any tackle ever recorded in the AAC. Smith isn't a flawless prospect, he does have a tendency to get his pads high and his hands wide in pass protection, which would allow opposing edge rushers to manipulate. This should not detour any team though, Smith is a tremendous NFL prospect and will most likely not make it past day 2 in the draft before finding a new home.
Pairing Smith and Jenkins at the tackle positions for the Bears would allow them to fill the want for tough and nasty men in the trenches.
