The Bears have added many new players this off-season. However, Pro Football Focus highlighted one player expected to have a comeback season in 2024. In a recent article, PFF reviewed all 32 teams and chose a bounce-back candidate for each. For the Bears, they selected right guard Nate Davis. Here’s why they picked Davis.
“The first year of Davis’ three-year, $30 million deal with the Bears didn’t go as planned. He posted a measly 52.9 overall grade and a career-low 95.9 pass-blocking efficiency rating. A major reason for his poor play was a nagging ankle injury. Meanwhile, from 2020 to 2022, Davis never amassed an overall grade below 69.2.”
Things can only improve for Nate Davis.
Nate Davis had a lot to deal with off the field last off-season. However, he should be ready for this off-season. Although he wasn’t at the voluntary OTAs last Thursday, which was the only day open to the media, there’s no need to worry yet. The Bears have another OTA open to the media next Friday, and it will be interesting to see if Davis is in attendance. Matt Eberflus mentioned that all players have participated in off-season activities at some point. It’s no surprise that Davis is considered a bounce-back candidate since his 2023 performance was an outlier. For new Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams, having Davis at his best in 2024 will be crucial.
Doesn’t a bounce-back candidate have to be motivated enough to show up at the facility?
Nate “where’s Waldo” Davis will be on hand to pick up his next check — someone can ask him then.
Bears GM, Ryan Poles should have noticed what would have been a surprising apathy originating with Titans’ then-HC, Mike Vrabel and GM, Ran Carthon at the prospect of losing a starting O-lineman.
Apparently, they had seen enough.
A bounce-back candidate should be a player with tremendous ability who had an uncommon down year. But Davis is NOT a guy who pushes himself to be great. He isn’t even motivated to attend OTAs! The only bouncing back Davis will be doing is getting knocked onto his ass and pulling himself up off the grass!
He sure is a bounce-back candidate, but by how much? It better be by a lot or Caleb will suffer and so might the running game. Poles should better prepare for the worse just in case.