Options at center

[Stinger226]

The only center still on the roster is Ryan Bates. He has arthritis issues in his shoulder. He did stem cell therapy, the question is, did that fix it? If Poles keeps him we will know the answer to that.

Bring back Shelton? I would think more for depth than as a starter. I would say one of these 2 will be back at least as a backup.

Dalman is the prize and will earn 10-15 Mil. Poles could decide to bring him in instead of the big spend on Trey Smith. Sign Kevin Zeilter and could get 2 players for the same money as Smith. 

Another option in free agency is Evan Brown from AZ. He played well last year and would be cheaper than Dalman. 

Then the draft. Lots of options there. Wilson, Majors are the top rookie centers and are considered 3rd or 4th round picks but not sure they could start day one.

Several OL rookies that could play center. Will Campbell -Zabel- Mbow- and Joshua Gray. 

The first 3 would have to be taken at ( Campbell) in the first or Zabel and Mbow as second rounders. 

Heard a podcast with the Shrine Bowl organizer, Eric Edhohm and he said Joshua Gray was the best OLman at the bowl. Played center and thought he would be a first year starter. He would be a 4 th or 5 th pick. That would be great to find a potential starting center in the 5 th round.

I think the best option would be to get Drew Dalman and draft Joshua Gray that could also play OG as the backup. Sign Kevin Zeilter, draft a starter at LG. 

[BearFan PHX]

Thanks for all the names - it's a good place for me to start my investigations.

The one thing I'd say about bringing players back is that they are basically free agents just like free agents that werent on our team last year. Since the staff and scheme are all changing, there's no particular reason to keep them over someone else - they just have to be a better choice than whoever else is available at that price etc.

So all things being equal, I'd expect it's as likely as not that we see a lot of new faces. Even among the backups and less talented guys at the bottom of the roster?

[AZ54]

I think they go hard early at the top options.   Shelton isn't a week 1 FA other teams will want to sign.  Keep him on speed dial but see if we can get the bigger fish first.  Nobody has convinced me yet that Dalman is the bigger fish but he's definitely the bigger contract.   He's also still young and can improve so that's where we like to spend our big FA money.   I still like the 2 for 1 and would prefer Dalman/Zeitler combo versus say Trey Smith/Shelton.  Draft a rookie to fill LG, then get your 2-3 vet backups to mix in with Kiran, Murray, Theo Benedet, and Stromberg and let 'em all compete.    

[ASHKUM BEAR]

The Bears only returning starters are OTs Wright and Jones and it can be argued that Jones could be replaced. What can Armagadje bring? Yep, a question. Maybe he can transition to LG while Braxton starts or moves to swing OT.

As for Center, the Bears do have Ricky Stromberg and Bates under contract but I am curious as who coach Dan Roushar would target if Poles spends cap for Center. Bates could end up a IR settlement casualty before the season starts too, so this position needs some deep diving. Roushar is known for developing lineman. His Saints acquired and C Max Unger in the Jimmy Graham trade and Unger became a probowler and the center piece for the Saints line.   Unger was already developed, so I can see the Bears going this route.  Drew Dalhman is a developed outside zone player, but would he fit Ben Johnsons attacking gap scheme or does Ben change to outside zone like the Bears and Roshar are already used to.  Coleman Shelton is outside zone and is already comfortable with Caleb, so he could be the guy too.  To me, this a plan A and B at Center 

Now for the rest. The Bears should have choice 1 or 2 for an olineman in the draft. LT- Will Campbell should be a no brainer and I'd leave him at LT.  Every report I have read or heard says this guy is a footballer and polished.  I hope to find time to review thrse top OT and DT options and see myself.  Round 2A, get a Guard Milum or D Jackson, 2B take a DT like D Walker or Alfred Collins DT Texas to rotate with Billings while Dexter/Pickens man the other spot.  Round 3, is there a DE worthy like Ivey or Gilliloutte? Or do they take a RB like Kaleb Johnson Iowa who is power and agility at 6' 225 and gives the Bears a one two punch.

Sign another FA Guard like Zieter to challenge a starting spot and the line is in good shape.  Round 5, take a developmental C, seen a handful of names.  The last major piece is if there is a way to get a stud DE through trade or fa to pair with Sweat.  If that happens,  the Bears on paper are favorites again lol.  

[Stinger226]

Shelton is a free agent but Bates is still under contract. No guarantee money though. 

Wright, Jones, Bates , Kiran A., Ricky Stromberg, Jordon McFadden , Joshua Miles, Theo Benedet are all under contract for 2025. The last 4 are minimum vet deals.

I actually forgot about Stromberg being here. If not for an injured past, he could be considered an option. He was a third round pick by Washington . He carried some creed out of college. 

 

[Stinger226]

14 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

The Bears only returning starters are OTs Wright and Jones and it can be argued that Jones could be replaced. What can Armagadje bring? Yep, a question. Maybe he can transition to LG while Braxton starts or moves to swing OT.

As for Center, the Bears do have Ricky Stromberg and Bates under contract but I am curious as who coach Dan Roushar would target if Poles spends cap for Center. Bates could end up a IR settlement casualty before the season starts too, so this position needs some deep diving. Roushar is known for developing lineman. His Saints acquired and C Max Unger in the Jimmy Graham trade and Unger became a probowler and the center piece for the Saints line.   Unger was already developed, so I can see the Bears going this route.  Drew Dalhman is a developed outside zone player, but would he fit Ben Johnsons attacking gap scheme or does Ben change to outside zone like the Bears and Roshar are already used to.  Coleman Shelton is outside zone and is already comfortable with Caleb, so he could be the guy too.  To me, this a plan A and B at Center 

Now for the rest. The Bears should have choice 1 or 2 for an olineman in the draft. LT- Will Campbell should be a no brainer and I'd leave him at LT.  Every report I have read or heard says this guy is a footballer and polished.  I hope to find time to review thrse top OT and DT options and see myself.  Round 2A, get a Guard Milum or D Jackson, 2B take a DT like D Walker or Alfred Collins DT Texas to rotate with Billings while Dexter/Pickens man the other spot.  Round 3, is there a DE worthy like Ivey or Gilliloutte? Or do they take a RB like Kaleb Johnson Iowa who is power and agility at 6' 225 and gives the Bears a one two punch.

Sign another FA Guard like Zieter to challenge a starting spot and the line is in good shape.  Round 5, take a developmental C, seen a handful of names.  The last major piece is if there is a way to get a stud DE through trade or fa to pair with Sweat.  If that happens,  the Bears on paper are favorites again lol.  

I get Braxton Jones didn't progress but if not replaced by a high draft pick, could still be the starter this year with Kiran A pushing him for time. Everyone thinks he's trash but by comparison of the rest of the league ( ranked 20th out of 141 Ts) . He is an average starter in the league. 

If they see Campbell, Simmons, Banks or Membow as their first pick to replace him then probably the swing T. 

We have no idea how the OL coach views these players. I think they should draft a OL that could play several positions and let training camp sort out the best 5. 

We automatically think they're all done but maybe the new coach can develop Jones more, Kiran A shows what he can do. Bates stays healthy, Ricky Stromberg is now healthy. 

OR all new guys.

I didn't think Dalman was very good but the more tape I watched on him, he's top 5- 10 in the league. His injuries affected him this year. 

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

48 minutes ago, Stinger226 said:

I get Braxton Jones didn't progress but if not replaced by a high draft pick, could still be the starter this year with Kiran A pushing him for time. Everyone thinks he's trash but by comparison of the rest of the league ( ranked 20th out of 141 Ts) . He is an average starter in the league. 

If they see Campbell, Simmons, Banks or Membow as their first pick to replace him then probably the swing T. 

We have no idea how the OL coach views these players. I think they should draft a OL that could play several positions and let training camp sort out the best 5. 

We automatically think they're all done but maybe the new coach can develop Jones more, Kiran A shows what he can do. Bates stays healthy, Ricky Stromberg is now healthy. 

OR all new guys.

I didn't think Dalman was very good but the more tape I watched on him, he's top 5- 10 in the league. His injuries affected him this year. 

 

If you can draft a stud LT, you cannot pass that up regardless if you have above average Braxton going into a contract year.  I appreciate what he's brought as a 5th round pick, but he has a known weakness that gets exploited every week. Can johnson and roshar help him, I believe so.  They both use the run game, which Jones does well to set up the pass.  But then you have to decide to resign Jones after the year.  

I will beat the LT drum every year until we draft on great one again.

[jason]

7 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

Dalman is the prize and will earn 10-15 Mil. Poles could decide to bring him in instead of the big spend on Trey Smith. Sign Kevin Zeilter and could get 2 players for the same money as Smith.

Yes please. 

[Stinger226]

10 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

If you can draft a stud LT, you cannot pass that up regardless if you have above average Braxton going into a contract year.  I appreciate what he's brought as a 5th round pick, but he has a known weakness that gets exploited every week. Can johnson and roshar help him, I believe so.  They both use the run game, which Jones does well to set up the pass.  But then you have to decide to resign Jones after the year.  

I will beat the LT drum every year until we draft on great one again.

Campbell and Banks are the highest rated LTs but Campbell has short arms so probably an IOL. Simmons is coming off an injury so I'm not sure if he will draft injured OT 2 years in a row.

They're not drafting a second round OT at 10. It's how they rate them that will determine the first pick. You need to draft a blue chip player that high. Whether O or DL. They may find one in the second round but not able to start the first year. 

Last year if Kiran wasn't coming off an injury, he was projected to be a second round pick. So by their evaluation, there may only be one or two worth taking in the first round and they may be gone. They may decide Kiran is the best option to replace Braxton instead of another developmental OT. 

I suspect they draft a versatile player that could play OG and later take over LT. 

Booker, Jackson, Membou, Zabel or Savaiinaea could start at OG and later convert to LT in a couple years.

It's all about evaluation of draftees. 

[AZ54]

3 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

Campbell and Banks are the highest rated LTs but Campbell has short arms so probably an IOL. Simmons is coming off an injury so I'm not sure if he will draft injured OT 2 years in a row.

They're not drafting a second round OT at 10. It's how they rate them that will determine the first pick. You need to draft a blue chip player that high. Whether O or DL. They may find one in the second round but not able to start the first year. 

Last year if Kiran wasn't coming off an injury, he was projected to be a second round pick. So by their evaluation, there may only be one or two worth taking in the first round and they may be gone. They may decide Kiran is the best option to replace Braxton instead of another developmental OT. 

I suspect they draft a versatile player that could play OG and later take over LT. 

Booker, Jackson, Membou, Zabel or Savaiinaea could start at OG and later convert to LT in a couple years.

It's all about evaluation of draftees. 

Kiran is a better LT prospect than any on that list.  LT is far from our greatest need even with the occasional bull rush issues.  There is no elite LT prospect in this draft except for Simmons who is injured.   Fix the IOL and watch Caleb shine.  

[ASHKUM BEAR]

1 hour ago, AZ54 said:

Kiran is a better LT prospect than any on that list.  LT is far from our greatest need even with the occasional bull rush issues.  There is no elite LT prospect in this draft except for Simmons who is injured.   Fix the IOL and watch Caleb shine.  

Kiran sure didn't look the part.  I wouldn't pass on a LT with Braxton Jones down to one year and Kiran a work in progress.   The interior will be fixed with a 2nd round prospect and FAs. 

[Stinger226]

1 hour ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Kiran sure didn't look the part.  I wouldn't pass on a LT with Braxton Jones down to one year and Kiran a work in progress.   The interior will be fixed with a 2nd round prospect and FAs. 

It comes down to their evaluation of players. It's kind of BPA at the point of being drafted. Taking the 34th ranked player at 10 because he might be better than Jones or Kiran is how GMs get fired. Obviously we're not taking a CB or WR at 10 when we have people in place. We have several weaknesses that could be filled at 10, and if we traded back maybe a OT equals a value at that spot and we get extra assets. We're going to find out what they value and want.

[BearFan PHX]

2 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Kiran sure didn't look the part.  I wouldn't pass on a LT with Braxton Jones down to one year and Kiran a work in progress.   The interior will be fixed with a 2nd round prospect and FAs. 

Im not projecting Kiran at all - too chaotic for any kind of crystal ball on him from my point of view, but i also think it's hard to judge him on his performance last year since he was injured, got zero reps or practice and then just got thrown into games.

He will be different with a proper start and camp development etc. But just as i say that I cant judge him last year, I am also saying I cant really judge him at all, so I dont predict him either way right now.

That said, if you get a shot at a LT you CAN predict to be excellent, you absolutely take it. i agree.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

4 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

It comes down to their evaluation of players. It's kind of BPA at the point of being drafted. Taking the 34th ranked player at 10 because he might be better than Jones or Kiran is how GMs get fired. Obviously we're not taking a CB or WR at 10 when we have people in place. We have several weaknesses that could be filled at 10, and if we traded back maybe a OT equals a value at that spot and we get extra assets. We're going to find out what they value and want.

If Will Campbell falls to 10, he isn't a 34th ranked player.  He might have limitations at LT, but he is so technically sound his limitations are not easily exposed.  He needs to become a better run blocker is his biggest knock. He also faced SEC competition weekly, so he has faced as close to NFL as you can get.  He would be a guy who can also play pretty much all the positions across the line, so if he ends up not excelling at LT he can move to G.

If he is not there or he is not a Poles guy with having shorter arms, then Graham DT or Nolan DT are the only worth guys in that #10 range.

 

[AZ54]

6 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Kiran sure didn't look the part.  I wouldn't pass on a LT with Braxton Jones down to one year and Kiran a work in progress.   The interior will be fixed with a 2nd round prospect and FAs. 

Everyone is banging the table for us to sign one or two former 4/5th Rd picks to fix our interior.  I certainly don't mind being wrong but I'll stand by my opinion that Kiran has a higher LT ceiling versus either Banks and especially Campbell.  He also has a lower floor.  However, Kiran at least deserves a full offseason of strength and conditioning, plus this year we should try to give him some practice reps before we put him on the field in a real game.  Then we can start to see what we have on our hands.     

The LT you want, and I want, is Josh Simmons.  I'm just sitting back waiting on his medical report at the combine.  My plan would be to put him at LG.  I'll have a decent backup on board to start the season so he can work his way in as he recovers.  A quick search shows that almost every team after pick 10 (at least their fans) is watching him, starting at 11.   I'll be surprised if we don't meet with Simmons in the last week prior to the draft to get one last assessment on his recovery.  Then again I'm sure every interested team will be thinking the same.  

https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/news/49ers-select-ohio-state-ot-josh-simmons-in-latest-mock-draft-01jfz9nmg3ra

https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/news/potential-chicago-bears-2025-nfl-draft-target-dubbed-high-risk-high-reward-prospect

[ASHKUM BEAR]

1 hour ago, AZ54 said:

Everyone is banging the table for us to sign one or two former 4/5th Rd picks to fix our interior.  I certainly don't mind being wrong but I'll stand by my opinion that Kiran has a higher LT ceiling versus either Banks and especially Campbell.  He also has a lower floor.  However, Kiran at least deserves a full offseason of strength and conditioning, plus this year we should try to give him some practice reps before we put him on the field in a real game.  Then we can start to see what we have on our hands.     

The LT you want, and I want, is Josh Simmons.  I'm just sitting back waiting on his medical report at the combine.  My plan would be to put him at LG.  I'll have a decent backup on board to start the season so he can work his way in as he recovers.  A quick search shows that almost every team after pick 10 (at least their fans) is watching him, starting at 11.   I'll be surprised if we don't meet with Simmons in the last week prior to the draft to get one last assessment on his recovery.  Then again I'm sure every interested team will be thinking the same.  

https://www.si.com/nfl/49ers/news/49ers-select-ohio-state-ot-josh-simmons-in-latest-mock-draft-01jfz9nmg3ra

https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/news/potential-chicago-bears-2025-nfl-draft-target-dubbed-high-risk-high-reward-prospect

I'm good with Simmons of he tests healthy.    Campbell to me is very similiar to Peter Skoronsky a few years ago.  Stud LT in college, but now playing guard.  Campbell is a leader and will command the room, smart enough to call the line protections, has great punch, foot movement and core strength to play LT in NFL.  His only fault is his arms will be under 34".  He can overcome that with his foot and hand speed. If he fails, the Bears still have a leader and stud G.  I'm not a fan of spending a top 10 on a G though. 

[BearFan PHX]

22 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I'm good with Simmons of he tests healthy.    Campbell to me is very similiar to Peter Skoronsky a few years ago.  Stud LT in college, but now playing guard.  Campbell is a leader and will command the room, smart enough to call the line protections, has great punch, foot movement and core strength to play LT in NFL.  His only fault is his arms will be under 34".  He can overcome that with his foot and hand speed. If he fails, the Bears still have a leader and stud G.  I'm not a fan of spending a top 10 on a G though. 

I see the short arms thing, and the projection to guard thing. One major difference is Skoronski was a "catcher" while Campbell is a first striker. Campbell may still end up an interior player due to his arm length, but I don't think Skoronski is a complete comp, because Campbell is more aggressive.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

24 minutes ago, BearFan PHX said:

I see the short arms thing, and the projection to guard thing. One major difference is Skoronski was a "catcher" while Campbell is a first striker. Campbell may still end up an interior player due to his arm length, but I don't think Skoronski is a complete comp, because Campbell is more aggressive.

It was only about them being ranked around top 10 and the arm length.  Big difference is Campbell uses his hands so we'll and is very vocal. He would be a great addition to lead the line imo. 

[BearFan PHX]

55 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

It was only about them being ranked around top 10 and the arm length.  Big difference is Campbell uses his hands so we'll and is very vocal. He would be a great addition to lead the line imo. 

agree with all of that. Im not 100% sold on Campbell at OT, but Im glad we both see the aggression. Im not NOT sold on him either, I just havent really done any homework at all yet, so I dont have any kind of real opinion.

[Stinger226]

3 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

If Will Campbell falls to 10, he isn't a 34th ranked player.  He might have limitations at LT, but he is so technically sound his limitations are not easily exposed.  He needs to become a better run blocker is his biggest knock. He also faced SEC competition weekly, so he has faced as close to NFL as you can get.  He would be a guy who can also play pretty much all the positions across the line, so if he ends up not excelling at LT he can move to G.

If he is not there or he is not a Poles guy with having shorter arms, then Graham DT or Nolan DT are the only worth guys in that #10 range.

 

I think they're 2 OL that are worth the 10th pick. Campbell and Banks. If not hurt, Simmons would probably be the top rated OT. Of course Campbell could play LT and probably be above average. Seen a podcast Olin Kreutz was on,he stated , would you rather have a player be all pro at a position or above average at another position? Some players are blue chip everywhere, I don't think Campbell is one of those. I seen one video stating that Campbell would be a day one starter if put at center for many reasons and future all pro. His opinion. It might have been Dane Brugler, can't remember right now.

Not defending Jones but our IOL is a bigger need than either OT. Olin said you need to build a line for certain types compliment the player next to them. A large fluid LG next to Jones could improve his play. Did the fact several people played next to Jones with Tevin Injury issues cause his play to regress? Did lack of proper line calls affect his play? Several times a TE or RB chipping could have helped Jones when bull rushed while on an island. 

 I trust them to sort it out and evaluate the players to fix the LT spot. 

Needs in order:

OC, OG, DE, DT, then LT 

[AZ54]

14 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

I see the short arms thing, and the projection to guard thing. One major difference is Skoronski was a "catcher" while Campbell is a first striker. Campbell may still end up an interior player due to his arm length, but I don't think Skoronski is a complete comp, because Campbell is more aggressive.

If I hadn’t seen so many highlights of college DEs running right around Campbell I’d be more optimistic about him at OT.   There wasn’t a video I was just checking out most of the top 50 DE prospects.   I always try to take into context who are they rushing against?    Incredibly small sample size but it’s all I’m going to get.  Nothing gets easier in the NFL.   That and some QB named Daniel’s helped him avoid a sack on a few of those plays.  

[BearFan PHX]

1 hour ago, AZ54 said:

If I hadn’t seen so many highlights of college DEs running right around Campbell I’d be more optimistic about him at OT.   There wasn’t a video I was just checking out most of the top 50 DE prospects.   I always try to take into context who are they rushing against?    Incredibly small sample size but it’s all I’m going to get.  Nothing gets easier in the NFL.   That and some QB named Daniel’s helped him avoid a sack on a few of those plays.  

I think he really is a guard in the NFL, and probably a pretty damned good one. But is an OG worth the #10 pick?

I am often against it, because i believe in quality players being the difference makers, but unless there an obvious stud on the OL or DL emerges for pick #10, this looks like a year to trade down if possible.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

2 hours ago, AZ54 said:

If I hadn’t seen so many highlights of college DEs running right around Campbell I’d be more optimistic about him at OT.   There wasn’t a video I was just checking out most of the top 50 DE prospects.   I always try to take into context who are they rushing against?    Incredibly small sample size but it’s all I’m going to get.  Nothing gets easier in the NFL.   That and some QB named Daniel’s helped him avoid a sack on a few of those plays.  

I have only been reading on him.  I have not dived into video clips, but I am sure he has bad plays as all players.  Below is from Draftbuzz.  I've seen multiple reports similiar. 

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Will-Campbell-OL-LSU

After studying the film, moving Campbell inside would be a mistake. Despite the shorter arms, his exceptional technique and recovery ability demand a shot at tackle. Put on the Ole Miss tape - he repeatedly shut down wide-9 rushers with textbook kick-slides and precise hand placement. The tools are there for a decade-plus starter who can anchor an offensive line and earn multiple Pro Bowl nods. Mark it down: Campbell goes in the top 10 and becomes one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles

[Mongo3451]

1 hour ago, BearFan PHX said:

I am often against it, because i believe in quality players being the difference makers, but unless there an obvious stud on the OL or DL emerges for pick #10, this looks like a year to trade down if possible.

Unless we get a guy that will be a true difference maker, I think a trade down is in order.  IOL is the deepest it's been in years for this draft.  We can easily what we need in rounds 2-4.

If there is another Brock Bowers it there, I'm taking him.  Oddly enough, Ashton Jeanty intrigues me in the same way Jamir Gibbs did when drafted by Detroit. 

If true, that the line will be beefier and stronger, I may be leaning toward a bell cow.  What better help could the new OL ask for?  When establishing continuity in a new scheme, the run game always takes off first.  Why not draft the best I've seen in years?  Jeanty is a faster version of Marshawn Lynch.  I've never seen contact balance like his.  Getting a stud RB in his first five years is very smart cap wise, with low cost and high production. 

I'm not saying that what I'd do, but it's intriguing as hell.

[Stinger226]

48 minutes ago, Mongo3451 said:

Unless we get a guy that will be a true difference maker, I think a trade down is in order.  IOL is the deepest it's been in years for this draft.  We can easily what we need in rounds 2-4.

If there is another Brock Bowers it there, I'm taking him.  Oddly enough, Ashton Jeanty intrigues me in the same way Jamir Gibbs did when drafted by Detroit. 

If true, that the line will be beefier and stronger, I may be leaning toward a bell cow.  What better help could the new OL ask for?  When establishing continuity in a new scheme, the run game always takes off first.  Why not draft the best I've seen in years?  Jeanty is a faster version of Marshawn Lynch.  I've never seen contact balance like his.  Getting a stud RB in his first five years is very smart cap wise, with low cost and high production. 

I'm not saying that what I'd do, but it's intriguing as hell.

I think if we fill 2 free agency spots on the OL that that will be in play. We could easily get a IOL starter in the second round and still draft a DL addition. 

Scenario: Dalman and Kevin Zeilter then draft Donavon Jackson. Fixes our OL. 

Here's an interesting take from Matt Miller on Campbell