Chicago Bears: Window To Quenton Nelson Widening?

Opinions remain varied on who the Chicago Bears should take with their #8 pick, but one thing is unchanged. Nobody hates the idea of Quenton Nelson.

GM Ryan Pace said from the start of this off-season that everything must be about making Mitch Trubisky a success. The bulk of his moves to this point reflect that. Hiring Matt Nagy as head coach. Signing Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Trey Burton in free agency. The goal is to build as strong a supporting cast as possible to ensure the young quarterback is cared for. If there is one area that Pace hasn’t been able to address yet, it’s the offensive line.

The only notable move made to this point was releasing veteran guard Josh Sitton. While not a surprising decision, it did leave the front five weaker. Thankfully the Bears hired new offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. He should be able to coach the players they have up. Still, talent wins in the NFL and it feels like the Bears are a little light in an area where it matters most. That is why so many eyes have stayed on Nelson.

The Notre Dame guard is not just the best offensive line prospect in the draft, but some feel the best overall. He’s a big, powerful, nimble and intelligent blocker who dominates his opponents on almost every snap. An instant starter with an All-Pro ceiling. Sounds too good to be true right? No way a talent like that falls to the Bears.

Well, the glimmer of hope may be getting brighter.

Biggest threats to drafting Nelson may be looking elsewhere

Pretty much any of the seven teams picking ahead of the Bears could suddenly decide they like Nelson. That’s why the draft is so unpredictable. However, needs often dictate certain decisions. That and the fact guards, traditionally, don’t go in the top 5. As of now, that area is expected to be dominated by the quarterbacks. Cleveland (#1) and the Jets (#3) are virtual locks to take one. The Giants (#2) are also a threat.

So where do the Bears need to worry most? That would pick #5 and #6. The Denver Broncos are reportedly hoping to add more help to their offensive line if they can’t land a quarterback. The Indianapolis Colts need better protection for Andrew Luck. Why then is there more optimism?

Word persists the Broncos would like to move down for more picks if they can’t land a QB, and seem to covet UTEP guard Will Hernandez. Meanwhile, the buzz is increasing that Indy is eyeing a certain linebacker out of Georgia.

It doesn’t open the window much wider, but more light is shining in. The fact Denver likes Hernandez could signal they don’t see much difference between him and Nelson. As for Indianapolis, it’s worth noting they signed veteran Matt Slauson and re-signed Jack Mewhort at guard in free agency. They may not see it as a pressing need any longer, at least for the time being. Little things like this, combined with some luck, may end up giving the Bears an early Christmas present.