When the Chicago Bears drafted Larry Borom in the 5th round last year, many fans were left looking confused. Many of them, understandably so, didn’t know who he was. That was a consequence of playing his entire career at Missouri, a program considered one of the afterthoughts of the SEC. Yet former GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy both insisted the team was surprised Borom had still been available. They had 3rd round grades on him going into the draft.
What impressed them the most was his commitment to improving. After playing at 350 lbs in college, he dropped to 320 heading into the pre-draft process. Such a reshaping of his body told them how strong his work ethic was. Then when he stepped on the field for training camp in July, their opinions of him only grew. It soon became clear to them that he had the potential to be a starter. Not down the line. Right now.
Sure enough, as the season unfolded, Borom started eight games.
All things considered, he did okay. He allowed 32 pressures and five sacks on the quarterback, but most of those can be traced to two rough road games in Green Bay and Minnesota. Still, when new GM Ryan Poles arrived in January, rumors circulated that he was unimpressed by Borom’s work. Nobody knew what the future might hold for him. A few months later, things have changed, according to Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog.
“One thing I have heard from inside the building is Morgan likes Borom more than Poles and company did when they were first hired. Poles didn’t initially envision Borom as a starter. That may be changing.”
4. Larry Borom was asked to switch from right tackle to left tackle mid-game by the #Bears.
Even so, he only allowed 3 pressures in 19 true pass sets (passes with no PA, screens, or quick throws).
He also had a terrific block on Khalil Herbert's TD run. pic.twitter.com/acAPxt5fc9
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) December 27, 2021
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High praise for former @MizzouFootball OL Larry Borom, rookie for the Chicago Bears! pic.twitter.com/hJbMlnvyum
— Rod Smith (@RodKRCG13) August 21, 2021
The fact that Larry Borom has been able to do this despite not being able to play in pads yet is a testament to his work ethic. He’s doing everything asked of him and then some. It might explain why the team hasn’t moved to sign one of the veteran left tackles still on the market, like Eric Fisher or Duane Brown. They’re intrigued enough with Borom to give him an unobstructed shot at winning the job outright. If he does and plays well, the organization has one of its biggest concerns solved going into a crucial 2023.
