LOWERING GERMAIN FLAGS
Back at guard, Ifedi hopes to reach higher level with Castillo
New Bears guard Germain Ifedi is proud of his four-year stint as a starter with the Seahawks, though he was considered an underachiever as a first-round pick. But he is looking forward to new Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo taking his game to a higher level.
“He has a history of making guys better, and you really can’t say that for every coach as much as you’d like to say it, especially for line coaches,” said Ifedi, who is expected to compete with incumbent Rashaad Coward for the starting spot at right guard.
“The proof is in the pudding with this guy — [at] Buffalo, the Ravens. I’ve seen the tape over and over again. These guys are getting better when he’s coming in that situation. The way he teaches it, he makes it just a clearer picture for you, makes it clear for you. I’m fortunate that he’s here.”
But besides a new start with Castillo in Chicago, the 6-5, 325-pound Ifedi also is likely to feel more at home at guard with the Bears. He was a guard at Westside High School in Houston and in his first two years at Texas A&M before being moved to tackle his last two seasons. He began his NFL career at guard with the Seahawks in 2016 before being moved to tackle in 2017.
Hampered by false starts against superior pass rushers, Ifedi was dogged by penalty issues at right tackle — a team-high 13 last season, 11 in 2018 and 19 in 2017. He was called for 44 penalties in 49 games at tackle. He was called for eight penalties in 16 games at guard.
“I’ve always considered myself an inside guy, a road-grader type,” Ifedi said. “But I’ve always accepted the challenge that came with playing tackle, also. There is no issue doing either one. It’s just doing your technique and doing what you know to be natural — you play in space or you play in the phone booth at guard.”
Signed to a one-year, $1.05 million contract, Ifedi is a virtual free roll for the Bears. Asked about the possibility of upgrading with free agent Larry Warford, the former Saints Pro Bowl guard, coach Matt Nagy indicated the Bears are happy with what they’ve got.
“I know Ryan [Pace] and his guys,’’ Nagy said. ‘‘They look at everything, and then we discuss it. And that’s not something where we’re at. We love where we’re at with all our guys.”
The Bears have a hole to fill at right guard after former Pro Bowl player Kyle Long retired following a season-ending hip injury in 2019. In lieu of using a draft pick to fill the hole, the Bears are taking a flier on a 2016 first-round pick (31st overall) playing what appears to be his best position. It’s not the worst way to go.
“I want to reach the next level,’’ Ifedi said. ‘‘I want to be all that. But I know it’s an every-day investment, an every-day challenge.”
Ifedi, though, pushed back a bit when asked about getting an opportunity with the Bears to realize his potential as a first-round pick.
“There’s a lot out there, ‘Didn’t live up to expectations’ and this other stuff in Seattle,’’ Ifedi said. ‘‘But I thought it was a good four years with Seattle. It’s just an opportunity to grow as a player.
“I have no drawbacks about anything that went on there. I started 65 games in four years. I think a lot of teams would take that from a first-round pick, no matter how many damn penalties there were. You continue to grow. If you’re investing every day, you’re on the right track. You’re doing the right things for yourself and your teammates and for your career going forward.”
“I WANT TO REACH THE NEXT LEVEL. I WANT TO BE ALL THAT. BUT I KNOW IT’S AN EVERY-DAY INVESTMENT, AN EVERY-DAY CHALLENGE.”
GERMAIN IFEDI