Chicago Bears: Offensive tackle Charles Leno needs to improve, or he will be replaced
The Chicago Bears need a better effort out of offensive tackle Charles Leno in 2017. If he can not improve, they have no choice but to move on.
Overall, the Chicago Bears have an extremely talented offensive line. However, that is primarily in thanks to their impressive starting interior trio of Kyle Long, Cody Whitehair and Josh Sitton. Long, Whitehair and Sitton are great but the Bears have serious issues at the offensive tackle positions.
The Bears did not make any major additions at offensive tackle and are about to enter training camp with Charles Leno and Bobby Massie being their starters at the positions again this season. Both Massie and Leno have the ability, but neither played well last season. Leno, in particular, still has a lot of upside, so today we are going to focus on him.
Legitimate left tackle ability
Leno entered the league as an extremely raw, but interesting offensive tackle prospect who had legitimate left tackle upside. He saw little playing time as a rookie in 2014 but became the Bears’ primary left tackle during the 2015 season. His first exposure to the NFL was not pretty, as Leno was an absolute train wreck in 2015.
His pass protection was undoubtedly lacking and his run blocking was even worse. I think it’s fair to say that Leno was not ready for such a big role that season.
Improved in 2016
That being said, Leno performed much better last season, while starting all 16 games for the Bears at left tackle. His run blocking ability was still an issue, but his pass protection was much improved. Leno is not an elite blind side protector by any means, but he started to show that athletic upside that was there during the draft process.
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Leno was a passable left tackle for the Bears last season but he is going to have to take another step forward in 2017 if he expects to be a major part of their future.
As soon as the Chicago Bears traded up to take Mitch Trubisky with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the young quarterback became the most important player on their roster. Protecting him is a major key for the Bears going forward. If Leno is not up to the task, the Bears will have no choice but to move on.
Leno can be replaced
The Bears only have Leno under contract through the 2017 season. If he improves, the 25-year-old would likely be locked up long-term and become an important part of their offense going forward. However, if Leno continues to be an average at best option at left tackle, it would be easy for the Bears to move on and find a new left tackle.
Texas offensive tackle Connor Williams and Norte Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey would be natural targets for the Chicago Bears early in the 2018 NFL Draft if Leno cannot prove his worth.
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The Bears have to find someone who can protect the blind side of Trubisky and open up holes for Jordan Howard for the long-term. Seeing if Leno can prove to be that guy will be an interesting story to watch in 2017.