GM Ryan Pace came out of the 2021 NFL draft smelling like a rose. Most of that was due to his crafty maneuvering (and good fortune) in grabbing quarterback Justin Fields in the 1st round. For the first time in ages, it genuinely feels like the Bears got one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. Of course, he and the organization are excited about that.
However, it’s important to remember Pace is a scout at heart. While the 1st round is always the flashiest moment of the draft, his favorite time is undoubtedly later when he has a chance to score players the team views as standouts that other teams might’ve missed. What was his particular pick that really surprised him the most in terms of value? He explained to Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer on Bears All Access.
It was when they got Larry Borom in the 5th round.
Several Bears fans weren’t familiar with the Missouri right tackle. Likely because Missouri hasn’t been a frontline program for several years despite being in the SEC. They finished 5-5 last season. Their offense ranked 79th overall in college football. So yeah. One can forgive people for not coming across his name too often. It seems several NFL teams experienced the same thing, and Pace couldn’t be happier about that.
Pace is saying the Bears likely would’ve taken Borom in the 3rd or 4th rounds had they kept their picks in either. So to get him in the 5th must’ve definitely been a thrill. Chicago hasn’t been shy in the following weeks with their excitement on Borom. They don’t view him as just another project to develop. They genuinely feel the rookie is capable of competing for the starting right tackle job immediately.
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Ryan Pace deserves credit for his entire 2021 draft approach
Landing Fields by himself was absolutely the correct move. Yet not enough people talk about what the GM did after that first pick. Of the six selections made in the remaining rounds. Four of them were on the offensive side of the ball. That includes two offensive linemen, a running back, and a wide receiver. It was evident that the Bears were intent on giving their young quarterback as much help as possible moving forward.
If Borom and Teven Jenkins both end up working out, then this draft might be viewed as a turning point for the entire franchise. Borom himself doesn’t seem overly intimidated by the NFL level. He considers himself one of the best pass protectors in his class. One made all the more dangerous after dropping 30 lbs of weight. The guy isn’t your typical 5th round pick. He’s talented and also battle-tested. Ryan Pace has good reasons to think he can make a career for himself in the NFL.
It comes down to how badly Borom wants it.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo is leaving the door open for him. He declared this training camp will be a competition between him and Germain Ifedi at right tackle. One must appreciate how rare that is for a 5th round rookie. It’s more evidence the Bears feel they stole one a few weeks ago. Watching his development should be lots of fun.