If you thought the Chicago Bears were done improving their offensive line after their surge in free agency, that would’ve been a bad assessment. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have made it their mission to improve both the starting lineup and the depth in the draft. They added a gigantic and athletic left tackle in the 2nd round with Ozzy Trapilo. Now they’ve shifted back inside by adding Michigan State guard Luke Newman. He is further evidence of what the Bears are doing. They are adding more and more athleticism across the entire roster.
Newman has 5.08 speed at 308 lbs with a 35-inch vertical. He is a great blocker in space, making him a natural fit for an outside-zone blocking scheme like Ben Johnson’s. The primary knock on him is a lack of size and power, making it difficult for him to handle bigger defensive linemen. He’s also highly experienced, having started four seasons between Holy Cross and Michigan State. That should have him well-prepared to make the transition to the pros.
The Chicago Bears are seeking a unique mix.
They seem eager to find a blend of experienced and athletic players. Such an approach means they want those who don’t require building from the ground up and have traits that can translate to their vision. Newman checks those boxes. He doesn’t fit in every scheme. However, if Johnson puts him in the same system he ran in Detroit, this is a good fit. The best part is he’s versatile. He can play either guard spots along with center. That means the Chicago Bears can use him as a utility knife in emergencies. Whether he can become something more than a backup won’t be determined until training camp at the earliest. Poles has found unexpected gems this late before.
