The Chicago Bears delivered a minor surprise in the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL draft. Rather than opt for help at center or pass rusher, GM Ryan Poles selected Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie. The Hinsdale native was an athletic marvel with great movement skills despite his massive 6'5, 323 lbs frame. Together with his 36-inch arms, they saw somebody with limitless potential who could become a possible fixture at left tackle if Braxton Jones didn't take another step forward this season. GM Ryan Poles sees somebody who can be a swing tackle this year and compete for a starting job in 2025.
While the Bears were drawn in by his athletic talent, it was his rapid improvement as a senior in 2023 that also got their attention. Though he didn't finish the season due to a quad injury, the progress he showed in technique and fundamentals was impossible to miss. It turns out this wasn't an accident. Amegadjie sought out the expertise of former NFL tackle Willie Anderson. He was one of the best tackles of the 2000s, claiming All-Pro honors four times. Bears play-by-play man Jeff Joniak spoke to co-director of player personnel Trey Koziol about the unlikely student-teacher relationship.
Kiran Amegadjie recognized why Anderson was a perfect mentor.
After all, the two share nearly identical body types. Anderson was 6'5, 324 lbs, and had 35-inch arms. He learned how to use all of that to his advantage to become one of the NFL's premier pass protectors. Amegadjie is actually a better athlete than he was, too. If he can learn all the tools and tricks Anderson built over a long career, there is no telling how good the young man could become. The key difference between the two is background. Anderson came out of Auburn. He cut his teeth against the best of the SEC. Amegadjie comes from the Ivy League. It is a far steeper jump in competition.
The Bears don't seem to mind the challenge ahead of them. It's not like they're new to bringing in athletic tackles who faced second-rate competition. Braxton Jones had the same problem, and he turned out solid. Kiran Amegadjie is even more talented than he is. If he's open to the same education Jones got and has a similar work ethic, it won't be long before he finds his way into the starting lineup. That is especially true if he keeps getting advice from Anderson.
