Chicago Bears: The state of the offensive line
Bottom Line
If we look at the offensive line closely, they are set for the next one to two years. However, this could easily become the next three years depending on how certain contracts go. In 2018, Mitch Trubisky took 2.65 seconds on average to throw the football. That alone can make an offensive line look better. They also were eighth in the league with only 33 sacks allowed.
Despite not many sources for offensive line grades, Pro Football Focus had the 2018 Bears ranked 11th in the league as a whole. As I stated in the beginning, continuity is extremely important for an offensive line. The Bears have been fairly lucky in this area. However, for that to continue, they need to do a few things.
First, Ryan Pace will need to find a way to extend Cody Whitehair on a team-friendly deal. I think this is easily possible and happens way before the offseason starts. Next, the Bears will need to evaluate Kyle Long and consider releasing him in 2020. I know, one of my all-time favorites, but releasing him ore restructuring again in 2020 is going to be a key move for Ryan Pace.
James Daniels is set for 2019 and 2020. Bobby Massie is locked in for at least another two years. This leaves just Kyle Long and Charles Leno, Jr. on the fence for 2020. One of the two has to stay and it will come down to availability plus effective play on the field. If one falters or struggles with injury once again, that player is likely gone.
Tim Anderson to spark change. light. More
This also means that offensive line is a fairly big need for the Bears in the upcoming 2019 Draft. There are a few guys I like that the Bears could look to in the later rounds that could wind up replacing Long or Leno in the next year or two. This is good news as there should always be a solid core of guys with a rotation of one or two new faces every few years. This will breed consistency and great offensive line performance. Keep the quarterback upright and running lanes open and the rest will follow.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.