It isn’t a secret that the Chicago Bears are certain to go hunting for offensive line help next off-season. They badly need an overhaul of that entire group. The only true fixture they have at this point is Darnell Wright. Right guard has no starter. Left guard Teven Jenkins and center Coleman Shelton will both be free agents. Left tackle Braxton Jones has been okay, but nothing special. It would be shocking if the Bears didn’t invest lots of money and at least their 1st round pick in that position group.
Probably the most popular name among fans looking ahead to the draft is Will Campbell. LSU has long been a factory for good NFL offensive linemen, and the left tackle seems like the latest to join those ranks. There are projections of him going to the Bears in the top 10 quite frequently. Based on what Brad Biggs has heard from people around the league, that would be a huge mistake.
LSU’s Will Campbell has gotten a lot of buzz but NFL folks I have chatted with don’t believe he’s a slam dunk selection who will solidify the position for some team for five-plus years. He’s got short arms and there are concerns about his game. In other words, some believe he’s been vastly overrated.
Presuming they pick in the top 10 again, which seems all but certain at this point, they have to do the smart thing and take the absolute best player on their board. If it’s an offensive lineman, that’s great. However, early returns suggest this class isn’t rich in high-end star-caliber prospects. There are plenty of good players, but few, if any, who are worthy of going that high. Meanwhile, the defensive line crop is excellent, both inside and outside. Would the Chicago Bears pass up a potential stud edge rusher just to grab an offensive lineman who might not be nearly as capable? This is why it is too early to judge how the draft board will shake out. The Senior Bowl and scouting combine are still to come. That is when the biggest shifts take place. If there is a stud blocker in this group, we will know by the end of February.
