The Chicago Bears signed Dakota Dozier as a one-year lineman, making him the second free agency offensive lineman after general manager Ryan Powles.
The offensive line is one of Chicago’s top needs this offseason, with quarterback Justin Fields’ defense remaining a top priority. Even though the Bears have added Patrick and Dozier, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Dozier, a former fourth-round pick by the New York Jets in 2014, has appeared in 76 career games, including 27 starts. He played for the Jets from 2015 to 2018. Dozier was a regular with the Minnesota Vikings as a quarterback in 2020. But he spent most of the 2021 season on the Vikings’ practice squad and only played six games on special teams.
With Dozier added, let’s look at the depth of the Bears’ offensive line:
Cody Whitehair
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Cody Whitehair may be having his worst season with the Bears, but he’s still a good offensive player since he was drafted by Chicago in 2016. Whitehair primarily played as a left back, although he also spent time at center. He can take any position before the start of the season – depending on what the Poles consider the best.
Teven Jenkins
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Teven Jenkins missed most of his rookie season due to back surgery during training camp. When he returned, he saw limited left tackle action, including two starts. The Bears are expected to add a left tackle, meaning Jenkins will either move to a right tackle or be pushed inside to right back.
Larry Borom
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Larry Borom got his first starting opportunity with a proper tackle in Week 8 replacing an injured Germain Ifedi and he was immediately promoted. He held his own against some of the best pass rushers and showed versatility, playing both right and left tackles. Borom believes he will roll or kick inside the right-back in his second year, depending on where the Poles think he fits best.
Lucas Patrick
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Lucas Patrick comes to Chicago with experience as offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. He is a versatile inside linesman who has played in three different positions – left back, center back and right back. While it’s hard to say for sure where he’ll line up in 2022, it’s assumed he’ll be a centre-back or right-back.
Sam Mustifer
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The Bears offered Sam Mastifer as an exclusive free agent earlier this offseason, but he is unlikely to play a starting role. Last season, Mastifer started 17 games at center for Chicago, but he was a nuisance offensively. For now, Mustifer plans to serve as a backup behind what has been called the starting center.
Dakota Dozier
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Dakota Dozier is joining the Bears after spending much of last season on the Vikings’ training team. But in 2020, he was a regular player in Minnesota, and his Pro Football Focus scores were not favorable. At this point, Dozier seems to be a deep figure in the offensive line. There are still many places on the list to fill, and there are still options in the free agent market and in the NFL Draft.
Lahavius Simmons
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Lachavius Simmons, a former seventh-round pick, was also recently offered by the Bears as an exclusive free agent. In 2021, he played in two games, including one start, with a right tackle. Simmons has no role in the starting lineup and will play the role of depth in tackle.
Dieter Eiselen
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Dieter Eiselen, who signed a reserve/future contract earlier this offseason, has played in just three NFL games. He has spent most of the last two seasons on the Bears’ training team. The 25-year-old is expected to suffer the same fate this season.
Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
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Tyrone Whitley spent most of the 2021 season on the Bears’ practice team. Earlier in the offseason, he signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago. In 2022, Whitley is likely to take a place on the practice team.
Willie Wright
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The Bears signed Willie Wright to a reserve/future contract earlier this offseason. Wright had previously spent time with the Falcons on their practice squad. He believes he has a chance to earn a place on the practice team.