Chicago Bears Keep Expanding Hunt For Nasty O-Linemen
The Chicago Bears only have a few weeks left before the NFL draft. When looking at their current roster, it doesn’t take a genius to know it’s far from complete. Several spots on the depth chart remain open, including multiple on the starting offensive line. Only Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, and new arrival Lucas Patrick seem like reasonable locks to hold down a job this year. That leaves two unaccounted for at left/right tackle and right guard.
Drafting a starting tackle is difficult. Rookies tend to struggle, as Jenkins and Larry Borom proved last season. There is a far strong likelihood GM Ryan Poles might be able to find an instant contributor at guard. It certainly felt like that was part of the plan when the Bears attended the North Carolina pro day. Most teams were there to watch standout quarterback Sam Howell. The Bears likely had ulterior motives.
All 32 teams on hand at UNC today for Sam Howell’s pro day. Among teams with OCs/QB coaches: #Commanders, #Giants, #Steelers, #Eagles, #Titans, #Seahawks. League meeting kept many HCs/GMs away. Howell might throw again next week for teams. pic.twitter.com/1U22ewacVC
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 28, 2022
Part of Howell’s success came courtesy of a stout offensive line.
Nobody established himself better than Joshua Ezeudu. He is a big dude at 6’4, 325 lbs, and plays like it. His power can overwhelm opponents at times, especially in the run game. Yet what might stand out the most about him is his pass protection. He is stout consistently. Bull rushing him is a waste of time, and his hand-fighting ability makes it difficult to beat him with speed too. His logging of snaps at left tackle, right tackle, and guard also demonstrates his versatility.
The inside reach block with full lock out and anchor by Joshua Ezeudu. That is choice. He's a Day 2 LT. That or I'm way off. pic.twitter.com/KkInvpE0Ke
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) March 10, 2022
3 games into Joshua Ezeudu, #249 on the consensus board but seems criminally underrated to me pic.twitter.com/3NJJVVjC7z
— No Flags Film (@NoFlagsFilm) March 25, 2022
Impressive independent hand usage all over Joshua Ezeudu film. This rep just made me smile. Grip strength. I'm steering you, steering you, and you're near my QB so it's time for you to go in the dirt. pic.twitter.com/lKe1hFmBVh
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) March 7, 2022
Everything about Ezeudu reflects what the new Chicago Bears regime covets. He moves well for his size and can handle himself in space. More importantly, he has that finisher mentality. They want violence. He will bring violence. Projections have him going somewhere between the 3rd, and 5th rounds Poles has three picks in that range and may look to add more via trades. This would give the Bears a good chance to grab Ezeudu if he made the right impression at the Tarheels pro day.