The Chicago Bears have remained busy down in Mobile, Alabama with the Senior Bowl. Arguably the most important event of the pre-draft process next to the scouting combine. They’ve already met with a number of prospects. Most of them focused on defense either at linebacker or safety. However, one or two offensive names have slipped through the cracks and one of them comes from the offensive line. Most Bears fans have probably never heard the name Matt Hennessy before, but it’s probably best they learn it.
Remember how the team tried to replace Cody Whitehair at center with James Daniels but it didn’t work out? Hennessy could end up being their second attempt. Coming out of Temple, a program known for building their players tough, the junior is 6’4, 302 lbs. Good size for a center in the NFL. So what draws the Bears to him? Jonah Tuls of The Draft Network thinks he knows why.
“Football intelligence jumps off the tape each game. One of the most consistent pass blockers in the country. Excellent coordination with his hands, eyes, and feet. Consistently plays with good balance. Projects well to a zone-blocking scheme. Effective at walling off second-level defenders and reaching three techniques.”
A big, tough and smart blocker who keeps his quarterback upright and loves to wear shoes representing the greatest Chicago sports icon of all-time? It’s impossible not to fall in love with a player under those conditions. The logic behind the Bears’ interest in Hennessy is easy to see. Adding him to the mix would give them an instant solution at center, allowing Whitehair to likely shift to right guard, filling the spot vacated by the retiring Kyle Long. This would solidify the Bears’ interior front.
Not a bad plan.
Current projections have Hennessy likely going somewhere on Day 2 of the draft. The Bears have two picks in the 2nd round. Based on reports from Mobile, the center has performed quite well so there’s no reason to think this will change. Most believe the Bears will focus on offense with their early picks for obvious reasons. Adding this kid could give them a talented player with instant starter capability. Ideal for a team trying to win now.
