Ryan Pace is like any other GM. When he's drafting every position on a roster, there are certain key traits he looks for over others. Ones he deems the most important to having success on the NFL level. Everybody knows what he wants in his quarterback. He likes them smart, accurate and boasting a strong work ethic. All key traits of Mitch Trubisky.
For defensive backs? Where lots of GMs like to go after size, Pace is more focused on athleticism, instinct, and toughness. Ball skills are nice too but the key is having players who know what they're doing and aren't at an immediate disadvantage against the opposing receivers. Running backs? Speed is nice but the vital key for Pace is the vision. Knowing where the lanes are and getting through them.
All of this has been revealed by the man himself over the year. Now another position group has seen a revelation from the young GM. Pace let it slip Kevin Fishbaine of The Athletic and others what he looks for particularly in offensive linemen while talking about Cody Whitehair's switch to left guard.
“He’s an aggressive player, he’s really good in space, he plays with great inside hand placement and he’s got strong hands,” Pace said. “I love offensive linemen with strong inside hands; when they latch on you can’t get rid of them. He’s a very difficult player to shed once he gets hands on your chest.”
Key OL acquisitions reflect this Ryan Pace philosophy
Knowing this information, one can go back and look at the key acquisitions the Bears have made up front since Pace took over in 2015 and see he's stuck to that philosophy. It wasn't only true with Whitehair. One of the big strengths of right tackle Bobby Massie even as far back as being drafted was how strong his hands were.
"He has decent range in his pass set and controls his man once engaged."
The same can be said for their former 2nd round pick James Daniels whom they just moved to center in place of Whitehair.
"Technically sound in terms of angles and hand placement; can be unstoppable on angle blocks."
This also explains why he was so ready to keep left tackle Charles Leno Jr. Another blocker known for his capable hand use. It's hard to argue with results at this point. The Bears offensive line was one of the better units in the NFL last season. Not much is expected to change in 2019 with every starter returning.
Whenever the time comes though that they plan to make a chance either in free agency or the draft, we now know what sort of offensive linemen to single out as likely targets.
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