The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft couldn’t have gone better for the Chicago Bears, who heading into Day 2 armed with a pair of second-rounders has plenty of first-round talent still on the board.
Heading into Round 2, there is plenty of offensive line talent still available, both at guard and tackle. Luckily for the Bears, who have a right guard spot up for grabs, some of the top offensive guard talent is still available. While six offensive tackles were taken in Round 1, there are also some solid tackle prospects available, should Chicago want to build for the future.
Here are five offensive linemen that are still on the board heading into Day 2 that Chicago should target, if they fall to them at pick 43 or 50.
1. OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
Arguably the best offensive tackle still on the board is Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland, a first-round talent with left tackle traits that should be the focus of teams with offensive line needs, like the Bears. While Cleveland likely won’t fall 10 spots to the Bears at No. 43, Chicago shouldn’t hesitate to grab him if he does.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Cleveland is an “athletic left tackle able to make all outside zone blocks in the run game, but in dire need of additional mass and functional strength. Tape work can be tricky as Cleveland suffered a turf toe injury in his second game of the 2019 season and was unable to practice for much of the year. Issues anchoring and redirecting edge pressure are independent from his injury, but determining the impact of that injury on his play is challenging. He plays with patience and technique but lacks base width and contact balance. Cleveland has the athleticism to play swing tackle for a zone-based offense but needs to get much stronger to hold up as a starter.”
2. OG Robert Hunt, Lousiana-Lafayette
The first round couldn’t have worked out better for the Bears, as one of the top guard prospects in Louisiana-Lafayette’s Robert Hunt remains on the board heading into Day 2. Chicago has shown plenty of interest in Hunt, who presents as the best interior lineman still on the board. The Bears would do well to lock him up at pick 43 or 50 should he fall.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, “Hunt is a plus athlete with a big man’s frame who could be considered at guard or tackle. Inconsistent footwork and pad level are the primary culprits when he fails to win the rep, but there aren’t any physical limitations that should prevent him from improving in both areas. Pass protection traits are present but getting the skill level up to par is going to take time. He’s a little raw but has the necessary talent to become a solid future starter at right tackle.”
3. OT Josh Jones, Houston
Another top offensive tackle prospect, with a first-round billing, Houston’s Josh Jones is one of the best available players heading into Day 2. The Bears have shown a ton of interest in Jones, having met with him twice during the pre-draft process. While the Bears already have Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie locked up as left and right tackles, they both could be cap casualties heading into 2021, and Jones could be a way to build for the future.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, “Early tape would suggest that Jones is a raw, developmental project in need of substantial technique work, but tape study later in the season suggests a level of improvement that creates additional intrigue for the long, athletic left tackle prospect. To be clear, he needs plenty of work with his pass sets and footwork, but most of his issues appear to be coachable. He’s a good fit for a move-oriented rushing attack and has the traits and talent to become a future starter if he continues to develop with coaching.”
4. OG Damien Lewis, LSU
If the Bears can’t get Robert Hunt, they could certainly find the second-best offensive guard in the draft in LSU’s Damien Lewis. He’s someone that fairs well in pass protection and is an effective run-blocker, something Chicago could certainly use help with. While Lewis is projected as a third or fourth rounder, if the Bears are in need of a guard when their picks roll around, Lewis would be a prospect to watch.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, “The run-blocking tape shows a forklift dressed as a right guard with the power and leverage to move some of the best interior defenders in the conference. The pass-blocking tape shows a heavy-footed guard who lacks length and lateral quickness to hold up if asked to block on an island. Lewis needs to play for a team heavy into gap and inside-zone concepts. He can hold his own against bull rushers but will struggle to move and recover against moving pieces in pass protection. He’s a one-position prospect who lacks height/length but he’s a plus run blocker who should outperform his draft slotting.”
5. OG Jonah Jackson, Ohio State
Arguably the third-best offensive guard prospect, Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson, a four-year starter, is a versatile offensive lineman with experience at left guard, right tackle and left tackle. There are some that had Jackson pegged as a first-round pick, which should be encouraging for the Bears if they decide to take use a Day 2 pick on him.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Jackson is a “guard/center prospect whose run-blocking and pass protection tape are polar opposites. He’s not a natural bender and the hand placement is rough, making sustaining blocks a challenge. However, the narrow base as a drive blocker turns into a wide, balanced base in pass sets. He’s a terrific processor of twists and blitzes who expedites his process and finds his work. If a team can improve the hands and body control they might have something, but he’s more likely a backup option for teams targeting pass protection inside at guard or center.”
