Chicago Bears: 5 offensive line targets in 2018 NFL Draft

3. Will Hernandez, G (UTEP)

Hernandez NFL.com Draft Profile

I’ve seen quite a few people state that they would prefer Hernandez in the second/third round over taking Nelson in the first round.

Though Hernandez doesn’t necessarily have the perennial All-Pro potential of Nelson, one could see why people think this.

A durable, four-year starter at UTEP (all at left guard), Hernandez could’ve gone to the NFL last year after earning Second-Team All-American honors. A year more of seasoning probably solidified his standing as a clear Day 2 prospect.

Without simply going for the ethnicity trope, his scouting report immediately made me think of Roberto Garza with his knees still intact. He plays with massive functional strength and is incredibly difficult to overpower but also has lighter feet than you’d expect for a nearly 350-pound man.

Because of that, he adds solid pass protection to his bruising play as a run-blocker.

Apparently, he’s also one of the hardest-working, most dedicated gym rats you’ll find.

Not unlike Cody Whitehair, though, some questions exist about his arm length (as well as his height, being just 6’2″). While he has the ability to anchor and hold his own against longer players, it is possible for people to get into his chest and maneuver him.

Perhaps because of this, he also can get a bit over-aggressive in space and needs to shore up some technique a bit.

But if you like nasty, strong, reliable, tough, NFL-ready guys on your interior offensive line, Hernandez is the guy for you. If the Bears took him and he made the roster, I could see his work ethic and tenacity putting him in the mix for the starting left guard spot right away.