In an effort to protect Justin Fields, here is who the Bears should target
The Chicago Bears are doing their homework on offensive linemen for the upcoming NFL Draft. It is no secret the Bears need help along the offensive line. They allowed 16 sacks, which was good for 29th in the league, they were the league worst in pressure percentage allowed at 50.0, and they were 28th in […]
The Chicago Bears are doing their homework on offensive linemen for the upcoming NFL Draft. It is no secret the Bears need help along the offensive line. They allowed 16 sacks, which was good for 29th in the league, they were the league worst in pressure percentage allowed at 50.0, and they were 28th in the amount that pressure turned into sacks per the Athletic. All of this was in October by the way.
It's safe to say the Bears need help on the offensive line and they recognize it as they are doing their homework on the position. We already previewed one offensive lineman and his fit, let's do another one. Let's talk about TCU interior offensive lineman Steve Avilia.
Steve Avila is first and foremost, a team captain. He brings experience all over the offensive line as he has played center, right guard, and right tackle. He is a very good mover in space, he doesn't overextend himself often, he has shown position flexibility as well as flexibility in his hips.
Now let's get to the cons of his game. Avila doesn't have a natural violence to his game that many covet with offensive linemen. He isn't the most advanced in his pass sets as he displayed no technical maneuvers such as the snatch trap. The power he plays with can be suspect and he doesn't have a natural feel for what rushes are schemed up to do. He can lose gap integrity if he is initially let free and commits to helping another offensive linemen.
The good news is that all of Avila's weaknesses can be masked or worked out in a system such as the outside zone. Outside zone is focused on offensive linemen blocking manned gaps rather than a man specifically, and Avila excels on the move. He has shown he can seal off defenders (which is a must in outside zone, if someone if in your play-side gap).
The Bears first pick in the second round is at 56 due to the trade with the Baltimore Ravens. That is the prime spot for Avila in my opinion. If the Bears are absolutely in love with him, they might need to move up a bit to secure him, otherwise they can take their chances and hope he is there.
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