Chicago Bears: A lot to consider with James Daniels extension talk

The Chicago Bears have to see more from James Daniels as time goes on.

From this film assessment, James Daniels has been an average player thus far. He has thrived in wide zone schemes, struggled in power run blocking schemes, and has been up and down as a pass protector.

Because pass protection is the most valuable asset he can provide, a move back to center could be what’s best for Daniels. His responsibilities as a run blocker would be the same and he wouldn’t have to deal with as many 1 on 1 reps as a pass blocker.

The problem with that transition is that it seems like the center position is Sam Mustipher’s job to lose. That means that Daniels will most likely be competing for the right guard spot with Alex Bars.

That said, Daniels has an uphill battle to show that he is worth the hefty extension everyone thought he would earn when he was drafted. Average offensive linemen are more valuable than people think, yet can be had at a cheaper price than a younger player like Daniels will most likely warrant.

In a PFF study, data scientist Timo Riske found that most offensive linemen reach their potential by year 3 or 4. So, this year is crucial and probably most telling for Daniels’s career path. Will he improve to the player that Bears fans thought he would be or will he remain an average player that is the weakest link on a good offensive line. The 2021 season should tell.