Chicago Bears Announcer Hints At Team's 1st Round Plans

Tom Thayer has been around the Chicago Bears for most of his adult life, first as a player and then as a longtime announcer and color analyst alongside the great Jeff Joniak. He's never once proclaimed himself an insider of any kind. Still, his close proximity to the organization makes anything he says worth noting. The former guard sat down with FOX 32 Chicago to discuss the Bears' off-season plans. He discussed the trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney and where they both fit in the team's rebuild of the offensive line.

Towards the end of the interview, things got interesting. He was asked directly what he believes the Bears' starting five will be upon the arrival of training camp and the regular season. Rather than dance around the subject, Thayer gave a straight answer. There were the obvious ones like Thuney at left guard, Jackson at right guard, and Darnell Wright at right tackle. He genuinely caused a stir from who he projected at left tackle.

Be warned: It wasn't Braxton Jones.

He chose that name specifically for the Chicago Bears.

There is no way it was an accident. Why? For one, Will Campbell was battle-tested at left tackle in the SEC against the best talent in college football. There is no doubt he would be able to start immediately. Then there is the type of player he is. One name Campbell has been compared to more than once is Taylor Decker. For those who don't know, he is the left tackle of the Detroit Lions, the same person Ben Johnson coached for the past four years. Thayer likely sees the similarities, which would further explain his projection.

Experts love Campbell as the most well-rounded offensive line prospect in the class. There is one concern. He has short arms. At just under 33 inches, some worry he doesn't have the length to handle NFL pass rushers. Now, this is not a disqualifier. There are quite a few successful tackles in the league with shorter arms. Rashawn Slater is one. Penei Sewell, another Johnson connection, is another. More than a few offensive line experts believe arm length is overblown. If the technique is correct, such things can be overcome.

Campbell has every other tool necessary. Thayer seems to think the Chicago Bears will look past it.