The Chicago Bears are in full rebuild mode. When this is the case, a team tends to continuously churn their roster looking for help whenever they can find it. That is why many feel GM Ryan Poles might hunt for further additions on the waiver wire when final team cuts begin before the regular season. While it’s unlikely another team may drop a former Pro Bowler with gas still in the tank on the market, there could be interesting options. One such name is Chuma Edoga.
The New York Jets selected the USC offensive tackle in the 3rd round back in 2019. After starting several games as a rookie, he was relegated to backup duty by the middle of his second year. Considering how bad the entire Jets line was during that period, it’s hard to tell how much of it was him and how much was coaching. However, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN, after an active offseason where the team added more bodies up front, it appears his status on the roster is in doubt.
“The ideal number is eight, but Mitchell complicates matters because he’s a fourth-round pick who will be given at least a year to develop. Former third-round pick Chuma Edoga looks like the odd man out. The Becton-Fant decision — which one gets moved to right tackle? — will be one of the top stories in camp.”
Chuma Edoga is coming off the first 2 starts of his career in weeks 5/6 and has been impressive on tape.
His AA, explosiveness/efficiency out of his stance & in his pass sets have jumped out, not to mention active, quick strikes & the ability to re-leverage. pic.twitter.com/bxserjLUoH
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) October 17, 2019
💪 work from Chuma Edoga at LT. Powerful right hand to lock out, control and maintain. We knows he’s natural in pass pro, and this is a great run rep. pic.twitter.com/beMiB3p9Dc
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 23, 2019
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Chuma Edoga is a great fit for the Bears.
Poles said his offensive line needs be quick and athletic. Those were the core strengths of his game in college. Edoga moves with excellent fluidity and is at his best as a run blocker. With the Bears set to install a wide-zone system under Luke Getsy, somebody like that has great value. The biggest question mark with him is pass protection. In his brief appearances over the past two years, he can best be called inconsistent in that department.
He has great length with 34-inch arms and smooth feet. A fresh start under an experience offensive line coach like Chris Morgan might do him good. The great irony is the Jets now play a scheme similar to the Bears, but Chuma Edoga never got many chances to play. Chicago has significant depth concerns at tackle. He would be a prime option to bring in as a backup with enough time to still reach his potential.
