The Chicago Bears have reported to Halas Hall for training camp. For most of them, this is their first time since they’ve reported to the facility following the 2019 season. And things have certainly changed from January to July. Case in point: left guard James Daniels.
The Bears website has been sharing video and photos of rookies and veterans arriving for training camp, and Daniels certainly stole the show with a new bulkier appearance, a clear indication that the third-year offensive lineman has been hitting the weight room hard this offseason.
And fans are absolutely loving the new-look Daniels.
James Daniels hit the weights BIG TIME! He’s HUGE now. I like it a lot pic.twitter.com/20CupO90hF
— none (@ejayjones49) August 2, 2020
James Daniels showing up to TC in 2019 v. 2020 pic.twitter.com/LZJL2AM2xt
— SunDevilBearsFan (@SunDevilBearFan) August 2, 2020
So, James Daniels spent his quarantine getting absolutely jacked. Looks more than ready to shove some D-Lineman into the ground 🐻⬇️ #Hogmollie pic.twitter.com/icMSdGNQrn
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) August 2, 2020
Ok…. #Bears OL James Daniels is ready to MOVE some D-lineman this season pic.twitter.com/bkXYt6Q7mG
— Austin F (@unclemike21) August 2, 2020
If James Daniels translates this bulk to improved play strength, he could be a legit player for the #Bears.
Daniels has the athleticism and instincts, but power has been a weakness to this point. Would be huge for their OL if he took the next step. https://t.co/miJiHpmZ3j
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 2, 2020
James Daniels just became the most underrated offensive linemen in the league. Thanks for coming to my TEDx Talk https://t.co/O87epCUY5R
— Holden 🐻 (@BearingTheDowns) August 2, 2020
Daniels returns for his third season with the Bears. But unlike last summer, Daniels won’t be getting reps at center. Last training camp, Daniels and Cody Whitehair switched positions to center and left guard, respectively. That didn’t translate into the regular season, which caused a midseason switch-up.
According to Whitehair, he expects to be taking snaps at center, which would leave Daniels to remain at left guard, where he’s flourished.
While Daniels has been a solid draft pick by general manager Ryan Pace, he has a chance to take his play to the next level. The hope is that the bulk will translate into strength, which would help Daniels do just that.
[vertical-gallery id=450551]
[lawrence-related id=451642,451630,451465,451730,451658,451696]