Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2018 mock draft three days away

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line unit takes a beating from fans. Many feel the unit is porous and needs an overhaul. The truth is different, however. Pro Football Focus ranked the group 11th for their work in 2017. Charles Leno, Jr., who’s been the target of a lot of the fans’ ire, had his best season to date. He was a solid run-blocker and improved his pass-blocking as well (in the final seven games he gave up only seven pressures).

Yes, the line suffered from injuries. Center Hroniss Grasu and guard Kyle Long missed multiple games because of a few injuries. That forced Cody Whitehair to play multiple spots. As a result, his play suffered. Long says he feels the healthiest he has in years so hopefully he returns to his Pro Bowl self.

With the perception of the offensive line, many want the Bears to spend a first-round pick on a lineman, notably Quenton Nelson. I don’t agree, though.

Whitehair needs to have a spot to have for himself. He can’t continue to play some at guard and some at center. The Grasu experiment needs to end. He still hasn’t been able to prove he deserves to have a starting spot on the line. Jordan Morgan took his redshirt season so he should step up and play as a backup guard.

I feel Whitehair should move over to guard and take over for Josh Sitton, whose option wasn’t renewed. That means the Bears need a center.

Bradley Bozeman is a big body with power who could help the line. Also, he has winning experience, something the Bears team needs. He adds some toughness to the line. His hand placement is excellent.

There are times when a center’s assignment on a play isn’t there. The defense stunts so they move their players around. I see a lot of centers who stay where they are, waiting for someone to come to them. Bozeman, on the other hand, doesn’t do that. He’ll adjust his assignment to double-team somewhere else.

Bozeman adds to the Bears’ offensive line and having him would be a plus.