Larry Borom

Chicago Bears: Larry Borom an x-factor in week nine

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Larry Borom, bears

When the Chicago Bears drafted offensive tackle Larry Borom in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Mizzou product entered his rookie season with a chance to compete for the starting job at right tackle. A sprained ankle sustained in the Bears’ week one loss against the Los Angeles Rams would sideline the 151st overall pick, until week eight, Borom’s first career start.

“I thought Larry did a wonderful job,” Nagy said via the Bears official YouTube channel. What a great challenge to go against one of the best D-ends in the NFL and I thought he held his own.”

The D-end that Nagy is referring to happens to be 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa. On track to start a second consecutive game, Borom will be matched up against Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt on Monday night in what should be an enticing matchup to monitor.

Borom’s ability to slow down Watt won’t go unnoticed. In an opposite viewpoint, a bad performance would be a forgettable night, with the Bears’ bye week giving Borom an extended time to evaluate and self-reflect, as Borom continues to develop.

“That’s one of the things that will be good for us to evaluate and see where he’s at, both mentally and physically,” Nagy said. “I thought Larry has done a great job when given the opportunity to play. So coach Juan and coach Donnie will see where he’s at conditioning-wise. But he’s been working hard, so we’re gonna really push him to see where he can go.”

Another strong performance from Borom could indicate the Bears have a long-term building block on the right side of the offensive line. Much of the Bears’ struggles over the last two seasons have been at right tackle, with veteran Bobby Massie being released during the 2021 offseason.

Opportunity awaits Borom, who is the assumed Bears starter of the future at right tackle. What happens over the second half of the season will set the tone for whether or not Borom can be labeled a breakout candidate heading into 2022.

31 questions to Bears camp: Who’s the odd man out the Offensive Line?

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When the Chicago Bears report to training camp in just under two weeks, the offensive line will garner plenty of attention. After overhauling the unit with the additions of rookies Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom while releasing veterans Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie this offseason, Chicago is looking to get younger on the OL heading into 2021.

Besides getting younger, adding offensive line depth was also a focus for the Bears this offseason, giving guys like Alex Bars, Elijah Wilkinson, Arlington Hambright, Lachavious Simmons, Adam Redmond, and Dieter Eiselen an opportunity to make the roster. The Bears will only carry a limited number of offensive lineman for the regular season, meaning some players will be cut.

Here’s what we know: Bars isn’t getting cut. After starting eight games in 2020, he’s Chicago’s most versatile offensive line, with the ability to play anywhere on the interior offensive line. The Bears value versatility on the interior as it gives the team more options should an injury occur.

Hambright and Simmons were seventh-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft and started one game as rookies. Chicago was forced to start both players due to a COVID-19 outbreak that occurred at Halas Hall. Both will have the opportunity to make the roster once again due to familiarity with Chicago’s offensive system.

Eiselen also started just one game at Center last season due to the COVID-19 outbreak at Halas Hall. The emergence of Sam Mustipher as starting center, along with the versatility that Bars provides means Eislen could be among the first name sent packing when the Bears trim the roster down to just 53 players in late August.

Wilkinson has played in 26 career games, starting at both right guard and right tackle. After starting seven games in 2020 and 12 games in 2019, there isn’t a serious case for Wilkinson to be cut, especially after he signed a one-year in free agency this offseason.

Redmond, another interior offensive lineman has started 18 games for the Dallas Cowboys. Signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2016 as an undrafted free agent, the Bears will be Redmond’s fourth NFL team and at 28 years old, it’s clear that Redmond is merely a depth piece.

While we may be just over six weeks away from the Bears finalizing the 2021 roster, examining the offensive line, we know that Eiselen or Redmond could be the odd men out. Don’t necessarily rule out Simmons or Hambright, however, both did make the active roster last season, something that should occur again in 2021.