The NFL draft is finally at hand. Fans have waited months for it to come around since the end of the season. For Chicago Bears fans, it is particularly desired since their team hasn’t done too much of note this offseason outside of some fringe depth and minor signings. GM Ryan Poles has made it clear he aims to build through the draft, which means his decisions carry a ton of weight this week. Nobody knows for sure who he will target. One name that keeps getting mentioned among multiple experts is Abraham Lucas.
In case people somehow forgot, the Bears offensive line was terrible in 2021. Some keep blaming quarterback Justin Fields for the protection issues, but facts are facts. The blocking wasn’t good enough, and Poles agrees. He didn’t like what he saw from last season. James Daniels is gone. Sam Mustipher was demoted. Changes are happening, and expectations are they will continue in this draft. One spot they may seek help is offensive tackle, which is where Lucas comes in.
Many consider him one of the steadily rising names at that position.
Draft experts have gone so far as to say he’s arguably one of the best pass protectors in the entire class. He’s big, strong, tough, and experienced. Lucas went to war with some of the best pass rushers in the draft class, including Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and USC’s Drake Jackson. He also held his own at the Senior Bowl back in February. The common belief is he has the building blocks of a long-term starter.
Washington State OT Abraham Lucas is one of my favorite tackles in the 2021 class.
Great athlete, very long at 6’7, and arguably the most smooth pass protector in the class.
Lucas(75) against Kayvon Thibodeaux(5). Lucas is patient, his hands eliminate any pass rush move. pic.twitter.com/q98aiJMUcO
— Matt Valdovinos (@MVScouting) May 23, 2020
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Abraham Lucas had quite a solid day yesterday. Really sturdy anchor to dig in against Myjai Sanders' bullrush. pic.twitter.com/tYtCUaFirK
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) February 3, 2022
Wazzu RT Abraham Lucas is a pretty smooth operator. Here's a quality rep against USC's potential first-round DE Drake Jackson. pic.twitter.com/VHc4hjPhHA
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) September 22, 2021
The concerns with Lucas are hard to ignore, though. He’s been described as “lumbering” in open space and struggles against speed on the edge. His run blocking also leaves plenty to be desired, never showcasing the kind of mauling power one would expect from somebody his size. Then there is the history. Lucas comes from Washington State. Since 1950, the program has seen 33 offensive linemen get drafted to the NFL. None of them lasted longer than one season as a starter. That includes 1st round bust Andre Dillard in Philadelphia.
Abraham Lucas looks and feels like too much of a risk.
The biggest appeal for him is the pass protection. Knowing Fields needs better blocking, it isn’t a difficult sell. However, context is key. The Bears’ offense will hold an identity dictated by their running game. That is the nature of the outside-zone scheme Luke Getsy is installing. Through the success of their ground attack, they’ll create the best opportunities possible for Fields to thrive. Such a thing would be difficult with a tackle that doesn’t move or run block well.
Maybe that can change for Abraham Lucas. It’s not like he lacks power. He just doesn’t use it well. As for the movement concerns, maybe dropping some weight would help. There should be better options available for the Bears when they go on the clock in the 2nd round. Lucas has the look and feel of a tackle that should go in the 3rd or 4th round. Somebody with the upside to start but not enough positives to warrant the risk of a high pick.
Yet invariably, someone will take the gamble.
It happens every year. In a pass-happy NFL, his value will be elevated because of what he does best. That isn’t his fault. It is just the way of the world. Maybe the Bears will be that team, but initial thoughts are that won’t be the case.
