Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive guards to target in 2018 NFL Draft

Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame — 6-5, 330 pounds

The Fighting Irish under Harry Hiestand had a tremendous offensive line. They have one of the top tackles and the top guard in this year’s draft. That’s a good sign for the Bears, who now have him as their offensive line coach. Nelson is the top-rated guard that teams in need are desperate to get. He dominated in 2017, earning unanimous First-team All-American. He is equally great in run and pass blocking.

Nelson’s strength helps him knock many defenders to the ground. If you like pancakes, Nelson is your guy. HIs power intimidates defenders. If you are a rusher used to using power to get through the line, you’ll need something else because Nelson refuses to get overpowered. His initial punch is powerful and uses both hands to punch the defender’s chest, eventually wearing him down.

The Notre Dame product doesn’t just open up a regular hole for the running back. He opens up gaping holes that allow trucks to get through. He enjoys blasting defenders off the wall. Even if he gets beaten at times, he is able to recover.

Nelson does have some deficiencies. He has trouble with defenders who slant to shoot gaps. He has a tendency to whiff on those plays. Also, he needs to improve his pulling. He has a tendency to stay too long on a block before getting to the second level.

While some consider Nelson a top-five prospect, teams tend to shy away from guards that high. They feel they can find good ones later in the draft. Additionally, a lot of teams at the top need quarterbacks and pass rushers so Nelson could fall onto the Bears’ lap. HIs familiarity with Hiestand is a positive for him. However, as I mentioned before, the Bears could pick up an almost equally good guard on Day 2 of the draft.

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Should the Chicago Bears decline Sitton’s option and go after a guard in the draft, these are five very good options they should consider.