Is there a hidden star on the offensive line for the Chicago Bears?

For years, the Chicago Bears have been in search of consistent offensive line play to support their offense and help propel the team to success. Historically, the Bears’ offensive line has been a weak point, often struggling to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the team’s running backs. The inability to provide consistent protection has been a major factor in the team’s struggles on offense, especially in terms of developing a strong passing game and keeping their quarterbacks safe. But as the Bears continue to build their team, there is an emerging question: Is there a hidden star on their offensive line, a player who could potentially become one of the top performers and help turn the fortunes of the franchise around?

In this analysis, we’ll take a look at the Chicago Bears’ offensive line, review some of the players who are stepping up, and consider whether one of them could emerge as the hidden star who could reshape the team’s future. We’ll examine the team’s current offensive line roster, the performances of individual players, and how the Bears’ offensive line could evolve in the coming seasons.

The Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line: A Work in Progress

The Chicago Bears have long struggled with offensive line issues, especially in the post-2000 era. While the team has invested in improving the offensive line through the draft, free agency, and trades, success has been elusive. In the 2020s, the Bears have experienced multiple personnel changes and attempts at reshaping their offensive line, but consistency and long-term success have been difficult to achieve.

The Bears’ offensive line, while still a work in progress, has begun to show improvement. The team has prioritized rebuilding the offensive line to provide quarterback Justin Fields with a stable pocket to operate in, and they’ve invested in high-profile draft picks, free-agent signings, and coaching changes to support this effort. As the team continues to develop, the offensive line will play a crucial role in shaping their offensive success, particularly as Fields grows into a franchise quarterback.

In recent seasons, the Bears have had several key players on the offensive line who have been crucial to its development. Among the players who have the potential to emerge as stars or at least solid contributors, there are a few who are starting to garner attention, especially for their potential to become key cornerstones of the unit.

Key Players on the Offensive Line

The Bears’ offensive line in recent years has included a mix of veterans, promising young players, and recent acquisitions. Here are some of the key players who are worth watching for their potential to emerge as stars:

1. Braxton Jones – Left Tackle

One of the most intriguing prospects on the Bears’ offensive line is Braxton Jones, who has started at left tackle since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Jones has shown promise as a young player, demonstrating solid technique and an ability to protect Fields’ blind side. For a rookie to earn a starting role on such an important position speaks to Jones’ potential. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, like any young player, he has also experienced growing pains as he adjusts to the speed and competition of the NFL.

Jones has the physical traits that scouts love: good length, athleticism, and the ability to move in space. As he develops more experience, especially in pass protection, Jones has the potential to solidify his spot as the Bears’ left tackle for years to come. If he continues to improve and refine his technique, Jones could emerge as a hidden star on the offensive line.

2. Teven Jenkins – Right Guard

A player who is increasingly garnering attention is Teven Jenkins, a former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After struggling to find a consistent role as a tackle in his rookie season, Jenkins was moved to guard in 2022, a position that many believe suits his physical style of play much better. Jenkins has the strength and nastiness that NFL coaches covet in an interior offensive lineman, and he has shown his ability to control defenders at the point of attack.

In 2022, Jenkins had some ups and downs, but he appeared to be much more comfortable in his new role at guard. He became a more dominant force in both the run game and as a pass protector. Jenkins has the potential to become one of the top guards in the league, and if he continues to develop at the pace he has shown, he could emerge as one of the Bears’ best-kept secrets along the offensive line.

3. Cody Whitehair – Center

Cody Whitehair has been one of the more consistent and reliable players on the Bears’ offensive line for several years. As a seasoned veteran, Whitehair brings stability and leadership to the interior of the offensive line, serving as the team’s starting center. Whitehair is known for his ability to anchor the line in both pass protection and the run game. Though he is not a flashy player, his consistent performance has been invaluable to the Bears, especially as they continue to develop younger players around him.

While Whitehair may not be considered a “hidden star” in the traditional sense, his ability to keep the offensive line stable is an important aspect of the team’s success. He could be the unsung hero that helps elevate the play of those around him, allowing other players to shine as well.

4. Larry Borom – Right Tackle

Larry Borom is another young player on the Bears’ offensive line who has shown promise and could eventually develop into a key contributor. After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Borom stepped into a starting role and demonstrated a solid all-around skill set. Although he still has room for growth, Borom has shown the potential to become a reliable starter at right tackle.

What makes Borom an interesting player to watch is his versatility. He has the size and athleticism to play both tackle positions, which gives the Bears flexibility if they decide to move players around along the offensive line. As Borom gains more experience and refines his technique, he could emerge as a strong presence on the right side, potentially becoming one of the Bears’ hidden gems.

5. Alex Leatherwood – Offensive Tackle (Former First-Round Pick)

One of the more intriguing names on the Bears’ offensive line is Alex Leatherwood, a former first-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Leatherwood’s NFL career started with high expectations, but he struggled to live up to them in Las Vegas, which led to his release after just one season. The Bears took a chance on Leatherwood, claiming him off waivers in 2022, hoping to develop him into a reliable contributor.

Leatherwood possesses excellent physical tools, including size, strength, and mobility. His performance in college was strong, and the Bears are hoping they can unlock his potential by providing him with a fresh start. Whether as a guard or tackle, Leatherwood is a player with a lot of upside, and if the Bears can coach him up, he could emerge as a hidden star.

The Development of the Bears’ Offensive Line: Coaching and Scheme

One of the factors that could lead to the emergence of a hidden star on the Bears’ offensive line is the coaching staff’s approach to player development. The Bears made significant changes to their coaching staff, bringing in Chris Morgan as the offensive line coach, a coach known for his ability to develop talent and improve offensive line play. Morgan’s track record in the NFL, including his work with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Football Team, gives him a strong foundation to work with the Bears’ offensive line.

Under Morgan’s tutelage, the Bears have focused on improving the fundamentals of offensive line play, including footwork, hand placement, and pad level. The team has worked to instill a cohesive scheme that emphasizes quick decision-making and adaptability. As the players on the offensive line become more comfortable with the system, the potential for individual players to take the next step in their development increases.

Additionally, Luke Getsy, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, has implemented an offense that is designed to be more balanced and flexible, which can help the offensive line thrive. With Fields’ ability to move and make plays on the run, the offensive line has to be adaptable to various situations, including pass protection and run blocking.

The combination of effective coaching and a scheme that suits the players’ strengths could lead to the rise of a hidden star on the offensive line, someone who may not have been expected to shine but emerges as a standout contributor.