Unlike two years ago, it isn’t difficult for fans to determine who the Chicago Bears’ most likely starters on opening day will be. Almost every position was settled before off-season practices began. Caleb Williams is the quarterback. D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen are the wide receivers. Cole Kmet is the tight end. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard are the secondary. The only relative uncertainty with this team is in the trenches.
Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Andrew Billings should all be starters. The question is whether DeMarcus Walker or somebody else will take the second edge position. Offensively, four of the five spots appear secure. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright are the tackles. Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis are the guards. However, some confusion surfaces at the center spot now that Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick are gone. Most people presume trade acquisition Ryan Bates from Buffalo is the favorite for the job. ESPN doesn’t see it that way. They have somebody else penciled in.
While Bates is somebody GM Ryan Poles has coveted for some time, there is one vital thing to remember. Most of his NFL career to this point has been played at guard. He’s only started two games at center. That lack of experience is something you can’t ignore. Shelton, on the other hand, has played center his entire career and was the starter for the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams last season. He may not be a superstar, but he’s proven he can play at a high enough level to help his team win games.
According to the Chicago Bears, a full-blown competition is underway. There is no determined starting center at the moment. Bates and Shelton will have equal opportunities to grab the job. Bates must quickly master the intricacies of the position, and Shelton must try to show improvement in certain areas he struggled with last year. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan holds the final decision. He has a reputation for being demanding and keen on details. There will be no favoritism either way.
