In case people haven’t heard it already the first 10,000 times, Chicago may have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades. With respect to how hard Jay Cutler tried, of course. Whether it’s Mike Glennon or Mitch Trubisky? That remains to be seen. One thing is clear. The priorities of the organization are now geared towards making one of those young men a success in this city. That includes premium blocking. Perhaps a Tre’ Jackson Bears deal would be a big help.
Wait who? Time for some backstory. According to multiple sources, the Bears had three players in for a tryout during their first mandatory minicamp practice. One of them was the young guard Jackson, a former fourth round draft pick of the New England Patriots.
#Bears have 3 tryout players in minicamop: OL Collin Buchanan (Miami Ohio) & Tre Jackson (Florida St) & WR Dominique Reed (Arkansas).
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) June 13, 2017
Many felt at the time that he would be a steal for them. Not a surprise given the success they’ve had with drafting offensive linemen in the past. However, for one reason or another it didn’t work out. After failing a physical with the Rams, it appears he’s healthy and working out. If the Bears do end up signing him, would it be the right move?
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Tre’ Jackson Bears idea could really work if handled right
According to Mark Dulgerian of NFL.com, Jackson was rated as a second or third round talent in 2014. A highly experienced guard who helped Florida State win a national championship. The feeling was if his health was right, he’s one of the best guards in the country. One that fits the Bears’ style no less.
“Jackson is the ideal big body you want in an interior lineman. He’ll earn his paycheck primarily as a run block specialist. If he can stay healthy he could compete for a starting spot on a team that has had its share volatility along the offensive line.”
Age makes the risk worth it
That would explain a lot. Injury was a big reason why Jackson had a falling out in New England. He suffered a knee injury late in 2015 at a point where he was starting to find his stride. That problem lingered in 2016 to where he was placed on the PUP list and never came off. In that space of time the Patriots kept adding young interior blockers via the draft and then won the Super Bowl without him. The writing was on the wall at that point.
With this said, it’s important to note that Jackson is only 24-years old. This tryout signifies whatever medical issues he had have cleared up. The Bears learned last year there is no such thing as too much depth. They put a heavy premium on quality interior blocking. If Jackson is healthy and in decent enough condition, he’d be worth a one-year flier to see whether he’s worth a longer investment.
Assuming the scouting report is correct, he could end up becoming a big help to the continued success of Jordan Howard and that running game. To say nothing of his understanding on protecting a franchise quarterback as he did with Tom Brady and Jameis Winston.
