The Chicago Bears are focused on making 2021 the best season possible. Yet anybody with common sense knows this is a team in transition. They aren’t likely to win a Super Bowl this year. However, thanks to the arrival of Justin Fields they may have given themselves an opportunity in the near future. It comes down both to his personal development and how they do building around him in the next couple of years.
That likely means the Bears will be active on the offensive side of the ball quite often in the coming months. This includes the 2022 NFL draft. To that end, their scouts have already been spotted at a number of college football games doing work. According to Rober Read of The Daily Iowan, not one but two Chicago representatives were present at the big matchup between Iowa and Iowa State.
Strong presence.
I’m seeing scouts for the Dolphins, Ravens, Bears (2), Cowboys, Falcons, Browns, Panthers, Lions, 49ers, Eagles, and Packers on the seating chart for today’s Iowa-Iowa State game.
— Robert Read (@Robert_Read34) September 11, 2021
There were a number of interesting prospects they’d get a chance to see. Cyclones running back Breece Hall, tight end Charlie Kolar, and safety Greg Eisworthy. The Hawkeyes offer cornerback Matt Hankins and wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. However, most experts would agree the star attraction of this game would be Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum. Many rank him among the best at his position in college.
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This would make sense for the Bears. They have lingering questions at center. Sam Mustipher did a nice job stepping in midway through last season. His steadiness, intelligence, and toughness helped the offensive line settle down. That said, his blocking hasn’t always been the best. He has flaws that some fear may not be fixable due to his limited physical upside. Linderbaum looks like he could be a significant upgrade.
Chicago Bears interest in him is more than justified
His skills fit exactly what they look for in blockers. Not only smart and tough, but athletic. Linderbaum shows that ability to get out in space and pick off defenders. Either by pulling on run plays or getting to the second level. In pass protection, he is technically sound. Strong, quick hands and fluid feet. He stays square. You likely aren’t going to catch him off guard with stunts or blitzes.
The big thing the Chicago Bears and other scouts are probably worried about with him is his power. Linderbaum isn’t the biggest center in the world. Recent data says he weighs somewhere around 290 lbs. That is exceedingly light for an NFL offensive linemen and it shows on tape. Too often Linderbaum seems to lack the strength both to open running lanes and to handle bigger defensive tackles in pass protection.
This is why he may not crack the 1st round.
Adding weight and strength will be his focus heading towards the 2022 draft. If he succeeds, then his profile will only rise. Many consider him the best center prospect in college football since Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow. If the Bears were somehow able to add him to their interior alongside Cody Whitehair and James Daniels? They might be in great shape for a long time.