Ryan Poles knew what he wanted to do from the moment he took over as Chicago Bears GM. The top priority is to fix the offensive line. If this team is going to make any noise with Justin Fields at quarterback, he’ll need way better protection than he got as a rookie. This is going to be challenging, though. The Bears have no 1st round pick and only five picks total. So Poles must make sure every one of them counts. He also may have to take some calculated risks.
A great way to start is finding a good center. Poles already has a blueprint to work from. After all, he was one of the driving forces behind the Kansas City Chiefs drafting standout rookie Creed Humphrey last season. When looking at this incoming draft class, another prospect fits a similar mold in size, athleticism, and intelligence. There is just one small concern.
He played the last two years of college at left tackle.
After playing center in 2019, Zach Tom was asked by his coaches at Wake Forest to shift over to the left side. He did so without complaint and ended up becoming one of the best pass protectors in college football. PFF gave him a grade of 92.1 for last season. Not bad for somebody experts would consider underweight at 304 lbs and boasting average 33-inch arms. That is why he was moved back to center for the Shrine Bowl back in February. A move that helped showcase how much better he can be in the middle.
Wake LT Zach Tom (bro of Cameron, no rel to Major) moved C to LT for '20. A rock in pass pro despite narrow frame, plays w/wide base and bends back to anchor. Can move guys like on this play at times. Could be NFL C due to frame/mobility/IQ but may get a shot at OT. #SnapScout22 pic.twitter.com/kckYZeN0QF
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) June 2, 2021
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Really, really impressive rep for Zach Tom here. Giving up a lot of size. pic.twitter.com/OiyiakI4Yw
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) January 31, 2022
Zach Tom really settled in at center. Again, LT at Wake Forest with great mobility and he's making money in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/QqgmrpTlUh
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 1, 2022
👀 Zach Tom vs Creed Humphrey @zachtom5 pic.twitter.com/nGEw0QlJBR
— Michael Hoffman (@MRHoffy) March 6, 2022
People will talk about Tom’s lack of true power. However, that will not matter as much in the Bears zone-blocking system. This kind of offense covets smart blockers that can move. They must be quick and understand their assignments. Two things that Tom proved quite adept at. It becomes a matter of getting settled back into a position he hasn’t played in over two years.
Humphrey isn’t the only player he’s drawn comparison to either. Joe Thuney was another name mentioned. Somebody that Ryan Poles happened to help the Chiefs sign as a free agent last offseason. The fit is so obvious and there is no doubt he’ll be available on Day 2 of the draft when Chicago goes on the board. Don’t be surprised if the Bears work to put him in navy blue.
