The Chicago Bears are holding a true competition at center at training camp between Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton. It's one of few legitimate positional battles in training camp with a notable starting gig available. Thus far, it's been a 50-50 battle.
Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive line coach Chris Morgan have afforded Bates and Shelton equal opportunities. Both contenders have been rotating at center with Caleb Williams and the first-team offense since camp began, per Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns. On Friday, the competition will heat up, with the Bears practicing in pads for the first time.
- Center battle set to heat up on Friday
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) July 25, 2024
- Defense wins today vs. Caleb Williams
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Fishbain and Jahns noted that Shelton will receive first-team reps on Friday with the pads on if the rotation continues. Bates was the first-string center on Thursday. Nothing should be decided anytime soon, but the Bears are scheduled to play their first preseason game in less than a week versus the Houston Texans during next Thursday's Hall of Fame game. Time is of the essence.
Bates was acquired via trade from the Buffalo Bills on March 4th in exchange for a fifth-round selection. Ten days later, on March 14, following his departure from the Los Angeles Rams, Shelton inked a one-year contract. General manager Ryan Poles had long admired Bates, having signed him to an offer sheet in 2022, one the Bills matched.
It's Shelton who may possess the upper hand, though. The former Washington Huskies performer has more experience at center, and he's awfully familiar with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron was the Rams’ passing game coordinator during Shelton’s first two seasons in the league, and that connection mattered in free agency.
Bates was a backup guard for the Bills last season, though he earned 135 snaps at center in 2022 (and 810 at right guard). Center is considered a better overall fit for his 305-pound frame. His deficiencies in pass protection and play strength can be better hidden by fewer one-versus-one reps with opposing defensive linemen.
The winner of the center positional battle will presumably play next to left guard Teven Jenkins and right guard Nate Davis. It's an opportunity for one of Bates and Shelton to establish themselves as a long-term solution after both faced uncertainty earlier this offseason. An opportunity to protect a generational QB prospect in Williams is up for grabs.