Ben Johnson is asking a lot of his players, and this offseason has been filled with position switches, where players will have to adapt in their new spot for the scheme or go find a new home.
I excluded LG to RG and LT to RT since those are becoming increasingly interchangeable in real life, as well as any LEDGE to REDGE switch.
Big Changes
Bo Melton: CB to WR
Already making plays back at his natural position, Melton should be commended for playing corner as a Packer, but two catches and a touchdown as WR4 is not shabby. He’d return kicks at any position, though. His ability to move in every direction makes him so hard to guard, even if he’s not making the best cuts in his routes or starting off the line well. Ben Johnson addressed this by having him in motion, too.
Leroy Watson: LT to TE
Speak of performing. Watson’s arrival has made Ben Johnson more willing and able to turn to the run, especially power running. Nick Chubb may have been a casualty of that commitment, but Watson is the real star and factor behind a lot of what went down in week one. The layers it adds are tremendous as he was even the player who caught the pass that sealed the game. Motioning over from one side to make the defense expect a run, then leaking into the flat and turning on the burners to get away from one closing safety, while pushing forward over the other defensive back in his path, extending for a first down that led to final kneel downs.
Takes Some Learning
Layden Robinson: RG to C
He’s not the day-one starter this year, still behind Drew Dalman, but I expect that to change as Dalman is in his last year as a Bear, most likely. Robinson was already on the interior offensive line, but nothing can be taken for granted, and he’ll have to get snapping the bowl down.
Ozzy Trapilo: RT to RG
He learned a lot from Darnell Wright and now will start next to him. Hopefully, there’s overlap for one spot closer to the interior. Ben Johnson can not stop raving about last year’s second-round pick who seems to be on his way to a long-term contract with Chicago.
Luke Newman: LG to RT
#RosterRequirements #CheapContract #IllinoisBears
Instant Improvement
TJ Edwards: WILL to MIKE
It’s a bit of a gamble moving him away from where he had 30 tackles for loss, but he’s the veteran, the mentor, and he should be running the defense, able to play any direction.
Kyler Gordon: CB to FS
He’s just too slow for his natural position of slot corner, although he’s still my slot2 for sets I’m worried about his speed deep. He’s good enough, though, just have to make sure he’s in the right spot.
Mekhi Blackmon: CB to FS
He’s also a potential slot corner, a bit faster than Kyler, but worse in coverage and run-stopping. He made two plays in week one though when starters were fatigued so I trust him.
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