When Bears general manager Ryan Pace announced second-round pick James Daniels would start at left guard while cross-training at center, fans questioned the decision. Why move one of the country’s best center prospects to a position he hadn’t played since his freshman year of college? Isn’t the learning curve steep enough for a rookie?



It’s fair to wonder why the team arrived at that decision. Especially considering incumbent starter Cody Whitehair never played center in college and was originally slated to play left guard. Shouldn’t the team keep players where they’re most comfortable and best suited to succeed?



Interior linemen must have position flexibility. Teams dress only seven offensive linemen on gameday, which limits their options and places a premium on versatility. Last season, injuries forced the team to churn through five different starters at center and guard.



The most logical explanation for starting Daniels...