5 Chicago Bears offensive line targets to watch at 2022 NFL Combine
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears should keep a close eye on Lecitus Smith at the NFL Combine
Senior
College: Virginia Tech
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 321 lbs
Best trait: Finishing mentality
Last year, the Bears traded up to draft tackle Teven Jenkins in the second round. The former Oklahoma State product had a real inspiring first interview after being drafted. One of the things he told the media was that his mentality included finishing his man every single snap. He wanted to bury his opposing man. That mean streak is what the Bears need more of up front.
If the Bears decided to draft Virginia Tech’s Lecitus Smith, that’s exactly what they would be getting. The senior guard possesses a combination of two things Poles and Eberflus are looking for: athleticism and physicality.
Not only will Smith aim to devastate his opposing man on each snap, he’s also athletic enough to move well in space. Smith can get out and pull, get to the next level and lay out punishing blocks and also move well laterally.
The combination of athleticism and nastiness is tough to find these days, but Smith has it. He doesn’t necessarily have the ideal length for his position, but his other attributes more than make up for it.