Chicago Bears Confirm Vital Roster Spot Is A Straight Competition

Following the NFL draft, it looked like every position on the Chicago Bears roster was settled in some capacity. They have clear starters in the secondary, at linebacker, and the defensive line. Offensively, they have their quarterback, running back, wide receivers, and tight ends all figured out. Even the offensive line has four returning starters from last season. However, one concern has lingered. Who will be the Bears’ starting center? Initial belief was that Ryan Bates, whom the team acquired for a 5th round pick in March, would get that job.

However, Bates has limited experience at that spot. He’s spent most of his career as a guard. Meanwhile, the team also signed Coleman Shelton as a free agent, who spent last year starting at center for the Los Angeles Rams. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron worked with Rams head coach Sean McVay for years. People wondered if Shelton was Waldron’s preference for the spot. Nobody was sure who it would be. Matt Eberflus finally put that question to bed at his latest press conference.

The short answer is it’s neither. That center job is up for grabs, and they’ll have to earn it.

Matt Ebeflus said that Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates have been rotating.

Eberflus also mentioned they're "just training those guys."

The Bears' head coach was asked if it's a competition between Shelton and Bates, and Eberflus said everything is a competition right now.…

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) May 31, 2024

This approach by the Chicago Bears isn’t surprising.

Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles have said they value competition across the entire roster. They proved that when Tyson Bagent beat out everybody else for the backup QB job last year. There was no way to justify handing the center job to Bates, given his limited playing time there. It would’ve been reckless because what if he didn’t handle the transition well? Then they would’ve robbed Shelton of vital snaps in practice learning the new scheme. Doing it this way ensures both get an equal opportunity to absorb the offense and showcase what they can do.

It feels like this battle will come down to who proves themselves a better pass blocker. Bates and Shelton both have reputations as quality run blockers from their previous stops, which is probably a big part of why the Chicago Bears liked them. However, protecting Caleb Williams is the priority. Shelton was inconsistent last year, though he did have a decent finish to the year. Bates was mostly average in protection during his lone season as a starter in 2022, but it’s unclear if a shift to center might change that.

Offensive line coach Chris Morgan has plenty of evaluating to do.