It’s becoming apparent where the priorities are for the Chicago Bears in this NFL draft. Find their quarterback and then protect him. That is not a bad strategy at all. After landing Justin Fields in the 1st round, the team has shifted to beefing up the offensive line with their next two picks. First with Teven Jenkins in the 2nd round and now again in the 5th round with big Missouri right tackle Larry Borom.
The first thing that stands out is his size. At 6’5, 322 lbs he is quite a load for an offensive tackle. Borom seems to be a strong young man, able to drive open running lanes with power. He is a mauling type. Somebody who loves to get after it and punish defenders. While not the best athlete in pass protection, he shows the technique and awareness needed to survive on the edge.
That said, he’s also logged time inside at guard.
So the Bears seem to have a versatile player on their hands. Never a bad thing. The running belief is Borom is a talented young man. He has the ability to start in the NFL. An issue some have raised with him is conditioning. It doesn’t seem like he’s always in the best of shape. Provided he gets on a proper plan and gets in the weight room? This guy has a chance to be a quality blocker on Sundays.
When watching him, his footwork and technique stand out. It’s a surprise how capable he is at getting the proper positioning of his body and hands. Especially for his size. If he can somehow gain a degree of quickness without losing his strength? This is somebody who has a chance to surprise. One thing is for sure. The Bears have established a theme between him and Jenkins. Two guys who love to maul.
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#Bears select OT Larry Borom
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) May 1, 2021
Interesting fifth rounder for Bears. Larry Borom has "talent to be a second rounder" according to one scout. Another had him in third, another in the fourth. They predicted he would go later because of conditioning issues. If he gets it together, he can be a starting RT or G.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) May 1, 2021
Larry Borom was drafted with pick 151 of round 5 in the 2021 draft class. He scored a 8.65 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 156 out of 1152 OG from 1987 to 2021. https://t.co/Z44Y7ekLR7 #RAS #Bears pic.twitter.com/L6gmX10ndK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 1, 2021
Mizzou OT Larry Borom isn't getting much buzz among the public, but that won't stay for long. Can play all positions along the line but Center.
Massive 6'6", 340 lb guy that moves way too well for his size. Also has great power and moves people. Gonna be a good NFL player. pic.twitter.com/2QJ0CTfFcx
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 30, 2021
Missouri OL Larry Borom: Massive player (6'6, 340), who is capable of playing any spot, projecting best at guard. Sound footwork, good use of hands/length, and the ability to anchor and generate movement as a run blocker.
Going to be a good NFL player.pic.twitter.com/YyPxEsbKH1
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) April 6, 2021
Borom addition makes Chicago Bears OL situation fascinating
After initially thinking Jenkins would be a right tackle, GM Ryan Pace revealed the team sees him as somebody who can play on the left or right side. With Borom being strictly a right tackle option, could this mean the team plans to consider playing Jenkins on the left side, replacing Charles Leno? It’s a fascinating scenario to think about. Right now the projected starters are Leno and Germain Ifedi, but both are working on one-year deals. So it makes sense the team would work to improve depth at that position.
This feels like exactly the sort of project offensive line coach Juan Castillo loves. He has a long history of turning late round picks and undrafted free agents into eventual starters. Borom also fits the profile he likes. Big, strong, and technically sound. He likely knows exactly what the young blocker needs to get better and has a plan ready for it. If he achieves his full potential, the Chicago Bears got themselves a steal.
As for the rest of the draft?
Chicago has three picks remaining. All in the 6th round. It will be interesting to see how Pace approaches them. This is usually the area of the draft where teams start looking at special teams help. Maybe the Bears can try to find it while also adding depth and competition at wide receiver or cornerback.