Scout Believes Nate Davis Will Prove A Highly Underrated Signing

The Chicago Bears knew they had to improve up front on both sides of the ball if they were going to start challenging top teams in the NFL. One problem GM Ryan Poles had with the offensive line when he first arrived was how passive they were in blocking. They lacked nastiness and physicality. Fixing that would take time. After adding Braxton Jones in 2022, the Bears moved to the next step by adding veteran guard Nate Davis in free agency. He came over from Tennessee, a team known for being aggressive and tough in the trenches.

Darnell Wright arrived a month later via the 1st round of the draft. While the rookie has flashed some of his limitless potential over the past month, the same can't be said for Davis. He battled a nagging injury that kept him out of most of training camp and all of the preseason. Some are already wondering if this was a purchase the Bears might regret. Thankfully, he is set to start on Sunday against Green Bay. Fans aren't sure what to expect. Two NFL scouts know one thing, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic.

If Davis is healthy, the Bears offensive line is going the best it's been in years.

All three scouts were high on the free-agent acquisition of Nate Davis, though Scout A says durability is a slight concern with the right guard.

“That’s the best offensive line they have had in five years, mainly because of Davis,” Scout B says. “He’s a tough guy and will bring a ruggedness that has been missing, something that was needed. I wouldn’t compare him to Olin Kreutz, but they haven’t had a guy with an edge since Olin left.”

Nate Davis might be quirky, but he handles his business.

He's consistently been a quality run blocker since he entered the league a few years ago. Derrick Henry had the best season of his career in 2020 with Davis starting up front, cracking 2000 yards. The most encouraging thing is how much the veteran improved as a pass protector last season. After years of average blocking in that department, he only allowed 14 pressures all season for the Titans. When he's on, he looks like one of the best guards in the NFL. The challenge with him appears to be whether he stays healthy and whether a coaching staff can deal with his odd personality.

Matt Eberflus seems to have handled the latter quite well. He and Nate Davis appear on good terms. As to the health issues, he practiced in full most of this week. There are no physical restrictions. The goal will be to keep it that way for most of the season. If the Bears get the guy from last year, the scouts are right. Davis should be an immediate boon for their blocking scheme. If Wright also lived up to his top-10 pick status, that entire right side could be a problem for defenses moving forward.