Offseason Review: The Edge Protectors, Part 2

JordanMillsEditI obviously meant to have this up yesterday, but time constraints didn’t allow that to happen. So here it is, a day late. I apologize for ruining your Thursday, and as always, feel free to berate me in the comments.

Jordan Mills, RT

Jordan Mills was a bit of a surprise, coming out of nowhere to win the right tackle job as a rookie in 2013. He was a fifth-round pick from Louisiana Tech, and he won the job through a combination of a strong camp showing and the new coaching staff’s desire to part ways with J’Marcus Webb.

As with the other four starting linemen, Mills had a remarkably healthy campaign; until he left early in Week 17’s loss to the Packers, he had played every offensive snap. He demonstrated a fair amount of poise and polish; according to Pro Football Focus’s numbers, he was whistled for just two penalties all season. Mills has decent size for a right tackle, as he’s listed at 6’5″, 316. He started off with a few strong performances, and some analysts started to wonder if he might be a better rookie lineman than teammate Kyle Long. But his start tempered off, and he began to get exposed in pass protection. (This is just recollection on my part, and I might be wrong, but it seemed like when the Bears brought Eben Britton in as an extra blocker, he almost always lined up next to Mills, giving him some extra help. I assume that was for a reason.)

So what sort of player can the Bears expect going forward? Did they get a fifth-round steal, or is Mills destined to be, well, something like what you’d expect from a fifth-rounder? When attempting to project him going forward, I think it’s important to remember two things. First, he was on an all-rookie side of the offensive line; in obvious passing situations, opponents were going to try to attack that perceived weak spot. Second, as to his ability to sustain good form over the course of a season, I think it’s key to note his age. Mills just turned 23 on Christmas Eve, meaning he played almost every game at 22. Kyle Long did not seem to suffer the same late-season dropoff as Mills, but though they’re both rookies, Long turned 25 in December. That makes him slightly more than two years older in terms of physical development, and probably helped Long avoid the “rookie wall” that Mills seemed to hit.

Overall, I think the Bears should be encouraged by what Mills gave them as a rookie, and there’s certainly reason to believe he’ll be able to play in the NFL. Whether he can develop fast enough to play a key role on an offensively-driven team, when there are candidates (like Long) waiting in the wings to take his spot, is another thing entirely. But for a fifth-round pick, that’s not bad at all.

Jonathan Scott, OT

Jonathan Scott has been a Bear for two seasons now, seeing plenty of time in 2012 after he replaced Gabe Carimi at right tackle. He was brought back as a swing tackle for 2013, but the run of good health for the starting o-line (and Eben Britton’s success) kept him on the bench for the entire year. Scott’s a big body, at 6’6″ 318, with just enough skill to go with that size to remain in the league since he was drafted in 2006. But when he did play in 2012, he wasn’t very effective. Now a free agent, I have a hard time seeing a need for the Bears to bring him back; they have depth ahead of him, and if they wanted a fourth or fifth tackle, I’d assume a younger and cheaper player would be a better fit. But if he remains on the market, he’s probably just an injury or two away from being called into camp.

(Side note: when I researched “Jonathan Scott”, the overwhelming search result was for Jonathan Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers. My fiancée absolutely LOVES that show, mostly because she considers the twin brothers eye candy of the finest sort. I don’t see it, but they can certainly renovate and sell a house.)

Joe Long, OT

The Bears signed Joe Long in December off of the Steelers practice squad. He was an undrafted free agent in 2012, and he hasn’t appeared in an NFL game, so it’s hard to project his future one way or the other. I will say that his presence is one of the reasons I don’t see the Bears bringing back someone like Jonathan Scott. I’ll also say that Joe Long is not related to Kyle Long, but he IS the brother of Jake Long, the Rams offensive tackle. (And former Pro Bowler with the Dolphins.) The Rams also have Chris Long, who is of course Kyle Long’s brother. So, to recap: the Bears have Kyle and Joe Long, the Rams have Jake and Chris Long.

Not confusing at all.

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more bears news

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

Latest News

Today’s March Madness Schedule: Updated Bracket, TV Channels for Every Game

The Sweet 16 is here as March Madness brings us some great matchups tonight! Check out today's March Madness schedule along with game times, TV channels, and more as the college basketball season's biggest games continue. The Sweet 16 Begins...

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Opening Day Mock Draft Projections

Happy Opening Day! As the new baseball season begins, and hope is present among most fanbases, why not take a look at a new 2024 MLB Mock Draft? Various mock drafts meticulously analyze potential picks, emphasizing the abundance of talent...

WAKE UP, BASEBALL IS BACK

The day has arrived. Opening Day. The most glorious day on the baseball calendar, save for the day of each Chicago Cubs World Series win, of course. See, I get to say things like that on Opening Day. Maybe the...

Pac-12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 28

There is one game featuring a Pac-12 teams on the Thursday postseason college basketball schedule, the Clemson Tigers versus the Arizona Wildcats. Make sure you check out below for today's best bets!How to Bet on Pac-12 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best Pac-12...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays are moneyline favorites (-135) to begin their season with a home win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on MLB Network.Tampa Bay's Zach Eflin gets the start, and he'll go...

Astros vs. Yankees Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Houston Astros start their season as home favorites (-156) in a matchup with the New York Yankees on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on YES from Minute Maid Park.Framber Valdez will get the ball for Houston while New...

Tigers vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Detroit Tigers begin their season as -178 favorites in a road tilt against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on BSDET.Detroit's Tarik Skubal gets the start, and he'll go against Chicago's Garrett Crochet.Tigers vs....

Reds vs. Nationals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Cincinnati Reds open their season as -153 favorites in a home matchup with the Washington Nationals on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on MASN2.Frankie Montas will get the ball for Cincinnati while Washington will counter with Josiah Gray.Reds...

Dodgers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1) will look to Will Smith, red hot after a four-hit game, to lead them in a matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals (0-0) on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET on BSMW. The Dodgers are -235...

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Miami Marlins are moneyline favorites (-132) to begin their season with a home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at 4:10 PM ET, live on Sportsnet PT.Jesus Luzardo will get the ball for Miami while Pittsburgh will counter...

more bears news