Matt Nagy and his coaching staff were never able to pin down a proper position for either of their rookie offensive tackles in 2021. Teven Jenkins came in as a right tackle but after Charles Leno was released, they moved him to left tackle. Larry Borom also came in as a right tackle but after impressing in early training camp, he too was moved to left tackle. However, when injuries struck during the regular season the 5th round pick went back to right tackle.
So nobody can be certain where Borom belongs. Especially with a new coaching staff on the way in. His status is up in the air. That is what made thoughts from other scouts around the NFL so interesting. Bob McGinn of Go Long did an extended piece on the NFC North. When discussing Borom, people see a young blocker with considerable talent. As to where he should play on the line, they made that pretty clear too.
Borom, a fifth-round draft choice in 2021, took over on the right side after Germain Ifedi went down. “Looks the part,” said one scout. “I think he’s a left tackle. He’s bigger and has more creative feet than (Teven) Jenkins. He understands how to play the position.” Added another scout: “He’s got a chance. I wouldn’t say he’s a locked-in starter yet. Plays with patience but doesn’t drive anybody off the ball. He kind of occupies space.”
This falls in line with what the Bears were initially thinking back in August.
Larry Borom has plenty of size but what really stood out was how nimble he is. So light on his feet for a guy that is 320 lbs. He proved it several times over the course of the season. In five of the nine games he started this past season, he allowed three pressures or fewer on the quarterback. It was far from a perfect run. He had some ugly outings, but that is typical for a rookie. Especially when he is forced to shift between left and right tackle multiple times.
The goals ahead for the Bears are straightforward enough. One is figuring out which position he is going to play and sticking with it. Then it is getting him to unlock more power in his frame. Have him embrace the animalistic side of his position. If he can learn to play with aggression and strength in addition to his natural quickness, he has a chance to be a starter in this city for a long time.
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