Ex-Scout With Buffalo Ties Admits Bear Scored With Ryan Bates

It was difficult for Chicago Bears fans to get excited about the trade for Ryan Bates in March. All they knew about the veteran offensive lineman was he popped up in Buffalo after an undrafted free agent stint in Philadelphia. When he became a restricted free agent in 2022, the Bears tried to sign him. The Bills matched the offer, and most people thought that was the end of it. Not for Ryan Poles. The GM knew Buffalo needed to shed salary, and with a log jam along their interior offensive line, Bates was expendable. Chicago pounced.

What made it more interesting was the Bears didn't plan for him to play his original position. Bates has spent most of his NFL career as a guard. Chicago doesn't need one with Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis in place. That meant they envisioned him at the center spot. He does have some experience there, but not a lot. Some are concerned the team is taking too big of a risk with that shift. Former long-time scout Greg Gabriel doesn't think so. He has strong roots in Buffalo and has watched a lot of Bills games. Bates is the real deal.

I have seen Bates play several times during his career, as I watch every Bills game. I'm from Buffalo, and I began my scouting career with the Bills. Bates is a quality player at either guard or center. With his athleticism, he would give the Bears the type of athletic center they want in their scheme. It will be interesting to see who wins the competition this summer, but right now, my money is on Bates being the starter.

Ryan Bates doesn't have to be great.

The harsh truth of the NFL is you're never going to be great everywhere. You only have to be great in some places and good enough everywhere else. Bates falls into the latter category. He will never blow you away with his raw talent, but he's athletic, tough, and intelligent. Usually, when those traits are combined, you end up with a good football player. It comes down to whether he can adjust to center quickly enough that he can outperform Coleman Shelton, who has far more experience.

Chicago will run lots of inside-zone under Shane Waldron. That requires a center strong enough to move defensive tackles off their spot while also athletic enough to reach the second level on linebackers or defensive backs. Ryan Bates showed those qualities in his brief stints at center with Buffalo. The Bears think there is more to unlock in that area. If it doesn't work out, Shelton makes for a quality backup plan. August should make for an educational month in training camp.