Bears sign former Rams center Coleman Shelton |
It took long enough, but the Chicago Bears finally addressed their biggest need on the offensive line. After going virtually the past two seasons without a legitimate center, Chicago entered the offseason with the goal in mind to address that area of the line.
Despite making several offensive line moves this offseason, most of them were depth pickups for guys with center experience but not a starter-caliber player. That all changed on Thursday afternoon, as the Bears and Coleman Shelton agreed on a one-year contract. He will most likely start at the center position in week 1. Ranked as the 17th-best center in the league, Shelton isn't quite elite, but he is better than any option the Bears have right now. He was also ranked in the top five of available centers this offseason, so clearly, the Bears made it a priority to land him, as he fits the team's short-term goals and financial obligations. For those unfamiliar with Shelton, he spent the last two seasons playing for Sean McVay, starting 30 games. That alone is the key to this acquisition, as Shane Waldron is part of the McVay tree, so the Rams' overall scheme is similar to Shelton's. Knowing that Shelton should be able to come into camp with at least some knowledge of the scheme and should be able to hit the ground running. When you break down the film and look at his tape, you immediately notice that Shelton is a better run blocker than a pass blocker, which plays right into the Bears' offensive strengths. Granted, should they draft Caleb Williams, their offensive style may change, but they have been known as a run-first team the past few years and even led the league in rushing during the 2022 season. Getting back to Shelton, his 74.6 run block grade may seem low, but that ranked 12th in the NFL among centers, putting him in the top third of the league. Compare that to a pass blocking grade of 63.0, and Shelton grades out at 66.1 overall to land at No. 17 out of qualified centers. Having the experience playing in a Waldron-type system is crucial, and with Shelton continuing to get better as a player, this is an immediate upgrade over what the Bears currently have on their roster. When you look at the rest of the Moves the Bears made, Ryan Bates was the other player expected to see time at center, and that is no different after this pickup, as these two should battle it out for the starting spot at camp. If you, as NFL scouts or people around the Bears organization, the competition should be short-lived as this is Shelton's job to lose at this point. In 671 pass-blocking snaps last season, Shelton was tested but did a great job holding his own as he allowed 34 pressures during the season. That equates to an average of two per game, which is crazy. Going further than that, he allowed just two sacks during the season. For an offensive line that has historically struggled to protect Justin Fields, or any other QB, for that matter, this is another big acquisition for the Bears. Should Shelton lose out on the starting center spot, all is not lost, as he has the versatility that the Bears love to see. Despite starting all 17 games at center last season, Shelton made 13 starts in 2022, splitting time between center and both guard spots. Ryan Poles wanted to address that this offseason. This offensive line was very healthy last season but had someone gone down with an injury; there weren't many replacements lined up. This season the Bears not only have replacements but guys who can play multiple spots across the line. That makes life easier for a coach, as it gives you the confidence to mix and match different pieces without the chemistry taking a hit. The more I learn, the more I am a fan of this signing.
28 y/o, 6’4, 299lb
Dude is a beast. Very little penalties, great run/pass blocker.
1-year prove it deal/mentor if we take a center.
🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YrwAzYKDby
