With training camp just around the corner, we've been doing a deep dive into the Bears' roster and outlining the expectations for each player. 

We've already knocked out the quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers. Next, we will tackle the offensive linemen.

This is a group that such be much better than it was a year ago. With a couple of new starters, this unit no longer seems like a weakness. Let's get into it. 

Braxton Jones, LT

The expectation is for Jones to show up at camp and prove 2022 was no fluke. After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones proved to be arguably the best lineman on the team as a rookie. 

There were some questions as to whether Jones would slide over to the right side and rookie Darnell Wright slide to the left side. Apparently, that will not be the case and Jones will have every opportunity to solidify himself as the left tackle of the future. After earning a stellar 75.4 PFF grade as a rookie, he deserves it. 

Look for Jones to look comfortable this summer and go into Week 1 with confidence. 

Teven Jenkins, LG

Similar to Jones, I expect Jenkins to settle into his position and prove 2022 was just the beginning. Jenkins, originally drafted as a tackle, excelled as a guard in 2022 finishing with an incredible 80.7 PFF rating. 

It appears that Jenkins will be a full-time guard now that the tackles both have young, impressive prospects in Wright and Jones. I expect Jenkins, who is entering his third NFL season, to take on a leadership role this offseason and be a mentor to Jones and Wright. 

Cody Whitehair, C

Whitehair has generally had his best performances when playing the center position. That’s good news, because that’s the only available starting job on the line. 

I expect Whitehair to anchor the offensive line and come into camp with confidence since he's in his preferred position. Expect Whitehair to take command and easily beat out veteran Lucas Patrick for the starting gig. 

Nate Davis, RG

Davis signed a hefty deal to come to Chicago this offseason, so the expectation is that he immediately proves himself worthy. The Bears received very inconsistent guard play in 2022, so having the solid Davis opposite of Jenkins is a vast improvement. 

Davis will immediately outperform the other guards in Bears' camp such as Dieter Eiselen and Ja'Tyre Carter. Suddenly, the interior of the Bears' line looks like a strength. 

Darnell Wright, RT

The right side of the line was heavily invested in this offseason. Nate Davis was given a hefty sum in free agency and Wright was taken with the No. 9 pick in the draft. Like Davis, I expect Wright to immediately prove the Bears correct for having faith in him.

While Wright will obviously be starting come Week 1, I expect him to work his tail off this summer to out-compete the veteran tackles on the roster. Wright lining up next to the solid veteran Davis will only help speed up the learning process. 

If Wright can come in and have a rookie season similar to the one Jones had a year ago, this offensive line could be sneakily-good. 

Larry Borom, T

Borom is the kind of player that is good to have on the roster. The backup tackle has performed adequately when thrust into action in the past and provides a nice insurance policy for the young starters. 

I expect Borom to come into camp and secure that sixth lineman role. The first time a lineman struggles or gets injured, Borom should be ready to seamlessly slide into a starting role. 

Lucas Patrick, IOL

Patrick is another type of player that every team needs. The veteran has experience at both guard spots and center, providing a valuable depth option. 

The expectation for Patrick is the same as it is for Borom: come in and solidify yourself as a solid backup option. Patrick is easily the best backup option the team has on the interior. 

Alex Leatherwood, T

Leatherwood was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and played so terribly as a rookie that he was cut before his second season. The Bears claimed Leatherwood and have kept him around as a depth option. 

Look, Leatherwood has talent. Perhaps the Bears can salvage some of his value and turn him into a serviceable role player. I expect Leatherwood to be given every chance to succeed, seeing time at both guard and tackle spots this summer. Leatherwood likely makes the team this year, owing to his draft pedigree if nothing else. 

The rest

I picked the eight linemen that I believe are the surest bets to make the team. Of course, the team will likely keep one or two additional linemen depending on who shines in camp and preseason. 

Kellen Diesch, Robert Haskins, Roy Mbaetekam, and Josh Lugg are tackle options, while Ja'Tyre Carter, Doug Kramer, Dieter Eiselen, and Lorenz Metz are interior options. If I had to bet on it, I expect Carter to rise up and take the final roster spot. A couple of these guys will end up the practice squad if they impress in camp. 

Featured image via © Kirby Lee | 2023 Mar 5