Windy City Gridiron
We all knew the offensive line had to be addressed this off-season. The question is, has Bears GM Ryan Poles done enough?
We all know Rome wasn’t built in a day. But did you know that it took approximately 2,000 years for the Great Wall of China to be built? One might say it takes longer to build proper protection than the dynasty that is being protected.
Ryan Poles took over as GM of the Chicago Bears in 2022 with Justin Fields as starting QB. In that season, his second year as a pro, Justin Fields tied Russell Wilson for most sacks taken with 55. In his third season, Fields was top 6 with 44 sacks taken. As a rookie last season, Caleb Williams led the league in sacks taken with 68. Though the team was one of the top rushing teams during Fields’ first two seasons, they were bottom 10 a year ago. This paints a dreary picture of protection under Ryan Poles' leadership, especially when considering the historic numbers Fields was posting as a rusher from the QB position.
In his first two seasons as GM, Ryan Poles drafted current starting Tackles in consecutive years. Left Tackle Braxton Jones was a 5th rounder in 2022, and Right Tackle Darnell Wright was his first 1st rounder a year later. Not bad at all, unfortunately all other draft picks along the OL have fizzled out, and his FA additions have done next to nothing of note.
Until now, that is.
After trading for All-Pro G Joe Thuney, former Pro Bowl G Jonah Jackson, signing the top available C in free agency, Drew Dahlman and drafting OT Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round and Luke Newman in the 6th, has Ryan Poles done enough to address the offensive line this offseason?
Take a look at some post draft grades and notice where Chicago’s offensive line ranks.
Personally, I would like to see a veteran LT brought in like Jedrick Wills, Isaiah Wynn or Andrus Peat. Caleb Williams’ health and the flow of the offense depends too much on that blindside protection at Left Tackle for me to be OK with a rookie who played predominantly at Right Tackle the last 2 seasons in college, a 2nd year developmental player and our current starter unlikely to begin the season healthy enough to play.
I have as high hopes as anyone else regarding the potential that Ozzy Trapilo can hold down the LT spot until incumbent Braxton Jones returns, but the risk factor is far too great for my liking. While I love what he did on the interior of the OL, the LT spot is still just a bit too murky.
