Protecting quarterback Justin Fields is one of the Chicago Bears‘ main goals.
He has the ability to deliver if he has more time to execute plays.
Unfortunately, the Bears’ offensive line was suspect last season, and they want to upgrade their lot for 2022.
That’s why they would like to give offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood another shot.
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that he was surprised that offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood was available.
Eberflus: "We are excited to have him. It's a fresh start for him."
(Via @ChicagoBears)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) August 31, 2022
Daniel Greenberg tweeted, “Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that he was surprised that offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood was available. Eberflus: ‘We are excited to have him. It’s a fresh start for him.'”
Aside from Leatherwood, the Bears also got nose tackle Armon Watts and tight end Trevon Wesco.
Chicago also claimed defensive end Josh Blackwell, defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, and linebacker Sterling Weatherford.
Leatherwood was originally an offensive tackle but switched to guard due to his struggles.
He will have a chance to compete for playing time against the likes of Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Zachary Thomas, and Ja’Tyre Carter.
A Product Of Poor Scouting
Though he became a champion in college and has some lofty credentials, some experts do not see Leatherwood as a first-round pick.
However, then-general manager Mike Mayock and then-head coach Jon Gruden thought otherwise.
Away from the hype that made him a first-rounder, Leatherwood hopes to build his game and become a solid contributor for the Bears.
Aside from protecting Fields, the Bears also have a decent backfield tandem in Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery.
Providing protection for those players could help them enjoy success in the upcoming season.
Leatherwood and the Bears will open the season on September 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
From there, they will face the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and New York Giants in the succeeding weeks.
