Chicago Bears: Senior Bowl prospects to watch
Austin Corbett out of @NevadaFootball is a name to watch. He's moving inside to Center for the senior bowl. He combines a big frame with great strength and footwork to get angles on his defenders. With a strong senior bowl he could shoot into round 3 or 4. #OLine #NFLDraft #NFL pic.twitter.com/uwvXFMDr4n
— Freshly Distilled Analysis (@Draft_On_Tap) January 14, 2018
The smart money is on the Chicago Bears to draft an edge rusher or offensive lineman with their first round pick. Some of the OL names that have been mentioned are Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, and Connor Williams. While Nelson is a dominant player, some believe #8 is too high for an OG. Although McGlinchey played LT in college, he projects as more of a RT in the pros. The Bears are likely looking for a LT in the draft so they can slide Charles Leno over to the RT position. That would leave Connor Williams, and if the Bears are not sold on him at #8, they may be looking in the later rounds for some offensive line help. This is where they could find another steal in Austin Corbett.
In 2013, Austin Corbett arrived to the University of Nevada as a walk-on. He will leave in 2018 as a 6′ 4″, 305 lbs offensive lineman, with an appearance on the preseason Outland Trophy watch list. Though he played LT in college, he will be at Center for the Senior Bowl. With the Chicago Bears, Corbett would likely slide over to Guard if the Bears release Josh Sitton. If they do bring Sitton back, Corbett would provide much needed depth.
Corbett’s a very bright, technically sound lineman with great footwork and terrific size for an interior lineman. He has also earned the reputation as an incredibly hard worker. On paper and on film, he is someone new Bears’ offensive line coach Harry Hiestand could turn into a pro bowler. The bet part is, he can likely be had in the 5th or 6th round. While he may not fit the Bears’ need for a LT, if they pass on an offensive lineman early, they can still land a gem with a little patience.
Next: Kiper Jr tabs Calvin Ridley as Bears #8 pick
For those Chicago Bears fans needing a football fix this weekend, but cannot bring themselves to watch the Vikings or Patriots, the Senior Bowl offers a chance to get a potential glimpse into the Bears’ future.