Rising Offensive Tackle Has Deep Ties to the Chicago Bears

It's hardly a secret the Chicago Bears are planning changes on offense. The purge of their coaching staff on that side of the ball was a dead giveaway. One area certain to get some attention is the offensive line. It was not nearly good enough in 2019, allowing 45 sacks and blocking for the 27th ranked rushing attack. It's hard to win football games when that is the case. So smart money says they'll be active in finding help at both the tackle and guard positions.

One thing about GM Ryan Pace is he always likes to invest at least one draft pick every year on the line. It was true of every draft from 2015 to 2018. Only last year did he fail to do so and that was largely because he had just five picks. With a projected eight at his disposal this time around, it is a fair assumption he'll hit the front five at least once. It is a matter of where in the draft that will happen and who it will be.

One name that Bears fans should keep in mind is Charlie Heck. The big offensive tackle from North Carolina not only has a lot of upside with his size, mobility, and length but he also has significant connections to the franchise. Connections that might give them an edge in learning about what he brings to the table.

Chicago Bears should already know a lot about Heck

Heck was actually a teammate of Mitch Trubisky in 2016, appearing in eight games for North Carolina including the Sun Bowl. The two have a relationship in that regard. He is also the son of Andy Heck. Older fans might remember he played offensive line for the Bears from 1994 to 1998. He started on one of their best offenses in franchise history in 1995. So that is another in-route to exploit.

Heck has had solid moments during both the East-West Shrine Game practices and Senior Bowl practices. It hasn't all been great, but there's been enough to create belief he has starter potential with enough finetuning and patience. Here's what Trevor Sikkema said about him for The Draft Network.

"Heck is a big boy at 6-foot-8, and that is evident when he's lined up out there. Heck is making the transition from right tackle to left tackle here in his redshirt senior season. Though he has a lot of height to him, at 300 pounds he moves pretty well. North Carolina uses him as a pulling blocker a decent amount. Despite being as tall as he is, Heck maintains leverage and power when run blocking."

With his help, North Carolina finished 31st in the country in total offense in 2019. This after crumbling to 78th in 2018. He's a hard worker and determined blocker but will need help on using better leverage and taking advantage of his long arms. A fun project for new offensive line coach Juan Castillo if the Bears exploit their ties to him.