Former scout with Buffalo ties admits Bear scored with Ryan Bates

It was hard for Chicago Bears fans to get excited about the Ryan Bates trade in March. All they knew about the veteran offensive lineman was that he had appeared in Buffalo after an undrafted free agent stint in Philadelphia. When he became a restricted free agent in 2022, the Bears attempted to sign him. The Bills were up to the offer, and most people thought that was the end. Not for Ryan Poles. The general manager knew Buffalo had to lose salary, and with a logjam along its interior offensive line, Bates was replaceable. Chicago surged.

What made it more interesting is that the Bears didn’t plan for him to play his original position. Bates spent most of his NFL career as a safety. Chicago doesn’t need it with Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis in place. This meant that they imagined him in the central place. He has some experience there, but not much. Some fear the team is taking too many risks with this change. Former longtime scout Greg Gabriel doesn’t think so. He has strong roots in Buffalo and has watched many Bills games. Bates is the real deal.

I have seen Bates play several times during his career, as I watch every Bills game. I’m from Buffalo and started my scouting career with the Bills. Bates is a quality player either as a guard or center. With his athleticism, he would give the Bears the type of sports center they want in their project. It will be interesting to see who wins the competition this summer, but right now my money is on Bates being the starter.

Ryan Bates doesn’t have to be great.

The hard truth of the NFL is that you will never be great everywhere. You just have to be good in some places and good enough everywhere else. Bates falls into the latter category. He’ll never blow you away with his raw talent, but he’s athletic, tough and smart. Usually when these characteristics are combined you get a good football player. It’s a question of whether he can adapt to center quickly enough to be able to outplay Coleman Shelton, who has much more experience.

Chicago will run many interior zones under coach Shane Waldron. This requires a center who is strong enough to move defensive tackles out of place while also being athletic enough to reach the second level on linebackers or defensive backs. Ryan Bates showed these qualities during his brief stints at center with Buffalo. The Bears believe there is more to unlock in this area. If that doesn’t work, Shelton offers a quality backup plan. August should be an educational month at training camp.