Chicago Bears: 7 players who must prove themselves in 2020

7. OG James Daniels

During his rookie season, James Daniels put himself on the map when he managed to shutdown Los Angeles Rams defense tackle Aaron Donald on national television. Starting 10 games at the left guard position in 2018, it appeared as if Daniels was on his way to becoming one of the NFL’s ascending interior offensive lineman.

The Bears would make a mistake in 2019 by switching Daniels to center. From the very start, it was evident that Daniels wasn’t ready to play center in the NFL. He’d struggle, missing multiple assignments and being very slow to react, letting defenders blow past him.

This offseason, with the Bears not being at Halas Hall, it’s unknown whether the Bears are going to switch Daniels back to center. However, if not, Daniels is going to be playing left guard, which makes sense, considering it’s turned out to be his more natural position since entering the NFL in 2018.

It’s a make-or-break year for Daniels for one reason: Typically, as offensive lineman enter their third year, they usually continue to get better or their development stalls and they end up becoming second or third string players that are resigned to backup rolls.

The upside for Daniels is certainly there, now the only question that remains is this: Can new offensive line coach Juan Castillo and Daniels work together to ensure that Daniels is able to realize this full potential?