The
Chicago Bears didn't seem to do much for the offensive line this off-season. Not in terms of losses and gains. They lost starting guard James Daniels and failed to find any proven replacement for Jason Peters at left tackle. Their only notable addition was
Lucas Patrick at center, a former backup from Green Bay, and four rookie draft choices. Not a lot of name power to get excited about. That doesn't mean GM
Ryan Poles failed.
Not according to former Bears scout Greg Gabriel. He evaluated the restructured offensive line for the
Barroom Network last week. He believes the unit won't come together until after training camp is underway. He is certain that Patrick won't be moving from center. There is a reason the Bears signed him to play that position. He's good at it. Really good. Enough to where Gabriel is shocked the team got him for as cheap as they did.
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Lucas Patrick might not have name value, but he has the ability.
The numbers prove this. In 603 pass-blocking snaps last season, he allowed only 21 pressures and two sacks on Aaron Rodgers. By contrast, three-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly allowed eight more pressures in 53 fewer snaps. That serves as an example Patrick can play. He won't be a problem for the Bears' interior blocking. He's already building a strong connection with quarterback Justin Fields and has brought a strong edge to the offensive line. His energy and nastiness are rubbing off on people.
That is exactly what Poles wanted. He sought a stabilizing force in the middle that could be a tone-setter. Lucas Patrick loves being that guy. If the Bears can find a competent right guard across from Cody Whitehair at left guard, their interior trio has a chance to be pretty solid. Then it's about seeing whether they have guys who can handle the tackle spots. The moving pieces and lack of certainty make it easy to say the team is in deep trouble. Having Patrick makes it easier to stay calm.
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