If you're looking for guys who are great at reviewing tape in the NFL media landscape, few do it better than Brian Baldinger. He knows what to look for, having played in the league for just over a decade as an offensive lineman. His comments are concise, honest, and unbiased. Whenever he reviewed the tape of a player, it is usually a sign that he noticed something good. So you can imagine the surprise when Baldinger posted a two-minute video of him reviewing Chicago Bears tackle Theo Benedet.
The Canadian native emerged from nowhere this past week to enter the Bears' left tackle competition. He wasn't even a thought when training camp began last month. That should tell where things are at. The other options haven't impressed enough to pick a starter, while Benedet has ascended more and more. Baldinger decided to get to the bottom of this mystery. He came away more than a little shocked. Ignore the fact that he's from Canada, where few good NFL players originate. This kid can play.
Theo Benedet is on the cusp of something rare.
It feels like Sunday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills is a high noon situation at left tackle. They have a really good team coming to town with a strong defense. Whoever manages to stand out in pass protection may end up taking a decisive lead in the competition. Baldinger believes Theo Benedet has the tools necessary to close the deal. Bears coaches have reiterated this isn't for show. He is very much in the conversation. If he can repeat what he did against Miami last week, he may pull one of the more shocking upsets in recent Bears memory. Overcoming not one, not two, but three draft picks to steal a starting job is not normal on the offensive line. That should tell about the young man's ability, as well as his work ethic.
