The Chicago Bears truly feel like they got something when they drafted Larry Borom in the 5th round last April. Both Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace insisted they had 2nd or 3rd round grades on him at the time. They were shocked the Missouri tackle lasted that long. Better still, Borom showed up to training camp in top condition and ready to worry. When he showed great foot quickness and tenacity in practice, they came to a realization. The guy had the chops to play left tackle.
When he finally saw action in the preseason, he did well. When the season began, the Bears had their depth chart set. Borom was the primary backup to left tackle Jason Peters. Nobody could’ve imagined the rookie would see the field so soon. Sure enough though Peters pulled up with a quad strain during the end of the first half. Borom was sent out there in a tough environment and actually helped the Bears to their first touchdown of the game.
Bill Lazor heaped a lot of praise on him for the performance.
That is why the ankle injury Borom suffered early in the second half was so frustrating. Up to that point, he’d played nine pass block snaps and didn’t allow a single pressure. He was doing well. Then he got rolled up on during a freak accident and was forced out of the game. It isn’t clear what exactly he suffered but most believe it is probably a high ankle sprain. This means he could miss a number of weeks recovering.
He didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday. Thankfully Peters did so he should be able to start on Sunday against Cincinnati. Hopefully, this isn’t too big of a setback. It is clear Borom has something. The game isn’t too big for him.
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Larry Borom could alter the trajectory of the Bears offensive line
If he ends up being starter material as the team thinks? Then that locks down the left tackle spot. This in turn might allow 2nd round pick Teven Jenkins to shift back over to his natural position at right tackle. Together with James Daniels, Sam Mustipher, and Cody Whtiehair? That would be the makings of a rock solid offensive line. Granted, a lot of projection is involved but it certainly offers hope for the future.
It would also be a rather amazing story. Charles Leno Jr. was the Bears’ left tackle from 2015 to 2020. He was a 7th round pick in 2014. Try to imagine if this team found his long-term successor in the 5th round. Things like that just don’t happen in the NFL. Larry Borom has a firm belief in his ability as a pass protector. Seeing him guard the blind side of Justin Fields sounds like lots of fun.
The question is can he stay healthy?
This ankle issue isn’t the first setback he suffered this year. Prior to that, he was dealing with a concussion in training camp. So he needs to find a way to stay on the field where he can actually show what he’s capable of. Given what he has shown so far, the best may be yet to come.