Chicago Bears: Round-by-round draft grades for each pick

James Daniels

Center

Grade: A

You knew the Bears were going offensive line at some point in this draft. They likely had their eyes set on Nelson at number eight, but as expected he wasn’t getting pass the Indianapolis Colts at pick six. The Bears got arguably the best center in the draft in Daniels.

Daniels was a first round prospect in this draft and the Bears got him at pick number 39. Daniels is a technically-sound offensive lineman. He displays good footwork to mirror opposing defensive linemen and has good bend to anchor against power rushers.

Where Daniels excels at most as an offensive linemen is as a run blocker. He does a good job climbing to the second level and sealing opposing linebackers off. Daniels has pretty good movement skills and lateral quickness.

Daniels should fit right in with the zone-blocking scheme that head coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich is incorporating. With the Bears, Daniels is likely going to be plugged in immediately at left guard. The thought was that Cody Whitehair would slide over, but it makes sense to not give a rookie that much responsibility out the gate.

The Bears offensive line is starting to take shape now with the young talent that’s on. The Bears have the makings of having a solid talented offensive line unit for the next five years.