Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive linemen to watch for in Senior Bowl

With the loss of Long, the Chicago Bears need a lineman who can step in, learn the offense quickly, and be a leader. Hakeem Adeniji can be that player. While the prevailing thought is that the Bears pick up a free agent to take Long’s spot, they could look to find someone in the draft who can start and be an effective player who could help the team at a better value.

Adeniji started all 48 games he played with the Kansas Jayhawks. He’s seen all sorts of formations and won’t be fooled by stunts. His consecutive starts streak is a team record. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team this season.

The 6-4, 305-pound Adeniji played most of his time as a tackle but his height might make him a better fit as a guard in the NFL. His feet are quick so he can keep up with rushers. He has a high football IQ and understands how to use angles to gain leverage and move defenders, something that greatly helps the run game. He understands his responsibility on a play and how it affects that play.

Adeniji has heavy hands and when he pops the defender he could knock him off-balance. When he does that, he has the ability to finish him off.