2024 Bears Draft Target: Beaux Limmer |
As we inch closer to the NFL Draft, although still a couple of months out, the attention will continue to be put on the Chicago Bears and their plans. After securing the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft only to trade it to Carolina for DJ Moore, they have yet again sealed the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, which is a rare feat.
Only this time, it isn't their play that got them the No. 1 overall pick, but instead, the poor play of Carolina as that pick went to Chicago. For the second year in a row, the Bears will hold the keys to the NFL draft, as their decision at No. 1 could dictate how the rest of the draft plays out. When you look at how their roster currently stands, more importantly, on the offensive side of the ball, a few areas need to be addressed, and the first round would be a great time to address those needs. Apart from DJ Moore, the Bears need a reliable WR option, which is where Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers come into play. You then have the Justin Fields question and whether or not the Bears stick with him or move on from him for Caleb Williams at No.1. However, there is another position of need for this team on offense, and it's an area that isn't talked about enough as the Bears need a Center in the worst way. This was their biggest downfall on the offensive line last year, and unless they feel like a good Center is available in free agency, the Bears may see fit to draft one. That is where the No. 9 pick comes into play, as the Bears could choose to go in many directions with that pick. One of those directions could be drafting a center, which is where Beaux Limmer falls into play as a possible first-round selection for Chicago. The 6-4, 301 pounder out of Arkansas is regarded as one of the best centers in this years class and would be the perfect fit for the Bears. Not only that, but Limmer has some experience at the guard position to go along with his work at center, giving the Bears the potential to draft a versatile offensive lineman. When you look at how the Bears current offensive line is constructed, having versatility is crucial and Limmer certainly has that going for him. During his time at Arkansas, Limmer started 40 games over four seasons, with 27 coming in the guard position and 13 under center. All of his starts under center came this past season, which is why he declared as a center in this year's class. Looking at his PFF stats from this season, you will see that Limmer played in 12 games, registering a 74.5 overall grade. That included 77.6 in run blocking and 61.5 in pass blocking, as the pass blocking does need some improvements. When you watch Limmer on film, what stands out the most is his overall lateral quickness to go side to side and his explosiveness in the run game. He gets off the snap quickly and locks on his man instantly to help create running lanes for his backs. That quick burst off the line allows him to get into the second level and extend the play longer than most college centers can. However, for as good as that explosiveness is, he doesn't have the same type of explosiveness at center, which could be a concern should the Bears ask him to play center. He may be athletic enough to move around the line, but he is much leaner than most interior line players, which makes him vulnerable to stopping power pass rushers. That could change if he could add 10 pounds of muscle to him, but for now, that will be a concern at the next level. Despite having Lucas Patrick and Dan Feeney on their roster, Chicago lacks an NFL-caliber starter at the Center position, as neither one gives the Bears much confidence. You also have the injury histories of Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins to worry about, so finding someone who can move around the line could be huge for this team. Given his experience playing both G and C, Limmer draws similar comparisons to Cody Whitehair and would fit perfectly in the Shane Waldron Zone-Heavy Scheme.
