Chicago Bears position battles to look for during training camp

Chicago Bears camp battle to watch: Offensive Line

Now we get to probably the biggest question for the Chicago Bears and its offense. The offensive line unit has been a sore spot for Chicago for quite some time now.

Poles allowed right guard James Daniels to walk via free agency. It looked like that would be the only starting position that would require a battle.

However, when minicamps started, things changed quickly. The thought was that Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ second-round pick last year, would start at left tackle. He was slated to start there last season before a back injury required surgery.

The Bears’ fifth-round pick, Larry Borom, was to be the right tackle. He also suffered an injury and missed some games himself.

When the camps started, Eberflus made a surprising move. He switched Jenkins and Borom, saying he just wanted to see different combinations.

Later on, during Organized Team Activities, or OTAs, Eberflus made another surprising move. Now, he moved Borom back to right tackle. He didn’t move Jenkins back to the left side, however. He inserted Braxton Jones, a fifth-round rookie, as the starting left tackle.

Then he had Jenkins work with the second team, backing up Borom.

Now, Eberflus did the same with the cornerbacks. He had starter Jaylon Johnson work with the second team. That was temporary, however. After a few practices, Johnson went back to working with the starters.

That did not happen with Jenkins. Once Jenkins went to the second team, he stayed there throughout OTAs. He’ll start training camp as a backup.

Jenkins will get a shot to compete against Jones, however. Perhaps Eberflus wanted to light a fire under Jenkins. He doesn’t want him to assume he’ll get anything.

Jones held his own and did well when he got his shot. Now he’ll get an opportunity to win the job. The left tackle is important in the protection of Fields. Let’s see if the rookie can beat Jenkins.

Jenkins might also have a shot at the right guard spot. Most analysts projected Jenkins as a right guard. He doesn’t have quick feet so fast outside pass rushers could abuse him. At guard, that won’t be too much of a problem. Additionally, he can use his power at guard to open holes and pass protect.

Additionally, the Bears have Sam Mustipher battling at right guard. Mustipher was the center last season but struggled mightily all season. As a result, the Bears signed Lucas Patrick to take over at center.

The Bears also have Willie Wright, Lachavious Simmons, and rookie Ja’Tyre Carter to see some time at that spot.

If Jenkins doesn’t cut it at left tackle, he looks to be the best option at right guard. The Bears need to settle these two spots in order to help Fields. Perhaps they look outside for help on the offensive line. It’s time for the unit to take a step forward and finally perform well.