Drew Dalman
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Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman and quarterback Caleb Williams.
When people talk about the Chicago Bears’ offense heading into the 2025 season, the focus is almost always falls on quarterback Caleb Williams and the pass-catching weapons. But while those playmakers will play crucial roles in shaping the Bears’ success, the real X-factor may be a name casual fans aren’t talking about: newly signed center Drew Dalman.
Dalman might not bring the flash of a star wideout or the excitement of a first-round pick, but his presence could finally stabilize a position that has plagued the Bears for years. And in doing so, he may unlock the best version of Williams in Year 2.
Chicago’s Secret Key on Offense
Since general manager Ryan Poles took over in 2022, the Bears have had a different center every year: Sam Mustipher, Lucas Patrick, and Coleman Shelton. Each provided stopgap play, but none established themselves as the long-term answer. That revolving door has been one of the biggest obstacles for an offense trying to establish an identity.
Dalman, a 2021 fourth-round pick by the Falcons, looks poised to break that trend. He started at center for four straight seasons in Atlanta ever since his rookie year and earned recognition as one of the NFL’s most reliable centers. Pro Football Focus graded him as the fourth-best center in football last year, anchored by his elite run-blocking ability.
In fact, since 2022, Dalman owns the fifth-best outside zone run-blocking grade in the league (93.0), trailing only stars like Trent Williams, Chris Lindstrom, Frank Ragnow (now retired), and Penei Sewell.
The numbers also tell the story. Despite playing just 525 snaps last season, Dalman allowed only seven blown blocks, three penalties, and two sacks.
For an offense that wants to establish itself, especially in the outside zone running game, Dalman could be the centerpiece that ties it all together.
Top five outside zone run blocking grades since 2022 in the #NFL
1. OT Trent Williams (97.5)2. OG Chris Lindstrom (96.1)3. C Frank Ragnow (94.9)4. OT Penei Sewell (94.1)5. C Drew Dalman (93.0)
The #Bears new center is in ELITE company👀🐻⬇️
Statistics via PFF pic.twitter.com/2SZiC2yaFw
— IZ🏈 (@Isaac__Zuniga) March 18, 2025
The Drew Dalman x Caleb Williams Connection
One key factor that Dalman has is experience working with a young quarterback. Last season with the Atlanta Falcons, he played a vital role in helping rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. adjust to the speed of the NFL game. Now, he’ll be tasked with guiding Williams.
“It’s just focusing on — maybe a bit cliché — one task at a time,” Dalman told the Chicago Tribune. “On any given play, you’ve got a whole sequence of: ‘Let’s get the play correct for all of us. Let’s all get lined up correctly. Let’s all remember the snap count.'”
That attention to detail is crucial for the Bears’ offense, which has dealt with its fair share of pre-snap penalties and miscues during training camp and preseason games.
Dalman doesn’t point the finger at Williams, though. Instead, he emphasizes collective responsibility. “That falls on everybody’s shoulders. I don’t think that’s just Caleb or any one person.”
The Bears have lacked stability at center for far too long. Now, with Drew Dalman anchoring the offensive line, the unit has a chance to take a major step forward.
He might not be the star fans buy jerseys for, but if Chicago’s offense finally reaches its potential, don’t be surprised if the most important piece was the one snapping the ball all along.