Chicago Bears: 5 small school prospects to consider in 2018 NFL Draft

Offensive Guard Skyler Phillips, Idaho State

After seeing Josh Sitton released as a cap casualty in February, the Bears will be looking for help up front to replace him. At the moment, they have some flexibility due to Cody Whitehair being able to play multiple positions, but if they’re looking for a guard to groom, Skyler Phillips might be just that.

The Idaho State prospect is listed at 6’3″ 324 pounds with brute force as one of his main characteristics. Phillips’ tape features a heck of a lot of defensive linemen hitting the deck after getting only an initial shot off the line.

Phillips is known to be a guy who can throw opposing linemen to the ground pretty easily because of his power, but his main weakness is the fact that he has trouble sustaining blocks. Sometimes, guys improve upon that. Other times, not so much.

I would have faith in picking Phillips in round six or seven simply due to Harry Hiestand coming in as the new offensive line coach for the Bears. Hiestand has worked with a guard by the name of Quenton Nelson in the past — I’m sure you know a thing or two about him.

As you’ve heard me say before, depth and competition is key at the pro level. Depending on how Pace’s first few rounds shake out, Phillips could be sitting there for the taking later on and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up a Bear.