The Chicago Bears’ final two selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, OL Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons, were picked in consecutive selections in the seventh round to round out the team’s draft picks.
Both players are still fairly unknown but show potential to contribute at the NFL level. They also got to this point while traveling on different paths. Hambright rose from junior college, landing at Oklahoma State before finishing his college career at Colorado. Simmons, however, played his entire career at FCS Tennessee State.
Now, the two are teammates in Chicago and here are a few things to know about the guys up front.
1. Simmons trained by throwing hay bales
The newest offensive lineman has something common with new teammate Cody Whitehair: Both players grew up on farms and trained by throwing hay bales. Simmons told Bears reporters he would toss hay bales as part of his chores and developed strength from it.
Perhaps Whitehair can mentor the young rookie and help him develop while swapping farm stories.
2. Hambright credits former Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker for success
Bears fans may not want to remember the name Mel Tucker, as the former defensive coordinator, who now is the head coach at Michigan State, oversaw arguably the worst defense in franchise history. But Tucker coached Hambright in 2019 and the offensive lineman credited his former coach for having a significant influence on him following his transfer from Oklahoma State.
Tucker’s Colorado Buffaloes squad finished the 2019 season with a 5-7 record.
3. Simmons’ nickname is “Pig”
“Can a Pig be a Bear?” That was the question posed by Bears head coach Matt Nagy when he called Simmons to let him know he was about to be drafted by the charter franchise. Simmons’ nickname is “Pig” and he likes to get down and dirty in the trenches.
“I’m a bloody your nose type of player,” he told reporters.
“Pig” will certainly have his opportunity to show opposing players he means business during the preseason.
4. Hambright was a key contributor to Oklahoma State’s success in 2018
Hambright is best known for his final season at Colorado, but his previous stint at Oklahoma State yielded positive results before an injury sidelined him for most of the season.
According to Hambright’s Colorado profile, he played in six games for the Cowboys before suffering his injury. The Cowboys were 5-1 while he was on the field and 2-5 when he was sidelined. Their offense was potent, averaging over 43 points per game while accumulating 537.8 yards of total offense. At the time of his injury, the Cowboys were ranked 25th in the nation.
5. The Bears are already figuring out their positions
Hambright and Simmons are both listed as tackles, but general manager Ryan Pace is already mapping out their positions. When it comes to Hambright, Pace believes he fits best as a guard, despite playing his last two seasons at left tackle.
Simmons, meanwhile, may be a bit more versatile. Pace thinks the former Tennessee State product can play guard or tackle, providing depth at two positions.
Regardless of where they place, Hambright and Simmons have the chance to be key reserves on the Bears offensive line.
