Bears’ big hole in Caleb Williams’ support system already rearing its head in training camp

Bears’ big hole in Caleb Williams’ support system already rearing its head in training camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

One year ago, during the 2023 offseason, Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that he and head coach Matt Eberflus never viewed this job as an overnight rebuild.

“We can’t fix everything at a high level in one swoop,” Poles said after the 2023 NFL Draft that saw him add foundational pieces in right tackle Darnell Wright and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

That line of thinking has stayed consistent through this past offseason when the Bears added franchise-changing talents in rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, and rookie wideout Rome Odunze.

Add in the addition of running back D’Andre Swift, tight end Gerald Everett, and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, and Poles assembled the best supporting cast a No. 1 overall pick has had in modern NFL history.

But, as Poles noted in April of 2023, “you can’t fix everything” at once.

So, while the Bears surrounded Williams with elite skill talent, a respected play-caller, and an ascending defense, they could not address the offensive line as they probably would have liked.

Poles upgraded at center by trading for Ryan Bates and signing Coleman Shelton. He also added versatile depth in affordable veteran Matt Pryor. The Bears could have drafted a left tackle at No. 9, but passing on Odunze once he slipped wasn’t an option.

The Bears’ best option was to get better play and health from the returning four starters and hope that the Bates/Shelton combo could bring stability to the center spot.

But the unreliability of the starting five in front of Williams always made it the unit that could derail the Bears’ efforts for a turbulence-free rookie season for the No. 1 overall pick.

The Bears stuck with Braxton Jones at left tackle, hoping he can elevate his game and become a top-half of the league blindside protector. Left guard Teven Jenkins is near-elite when…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-big-hole-caleb-williams-162635199.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-08-05 16:26:35

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