(670 The Score) As the Bears build their identity around second-year quarterback Justin Fields, one of his former Ohio State teammates is interested in becoming a part of that.
Ohio State offensive tackle prospect Nick Petit-Frere watched how Fields stepped in as a leader for the Buckeyes upon his arrival after transferring from Georgia in early 2019. During his two seasons as starting quarterback, Fields guided Ohio State to a 20-2 record and the national championship game in January 2021.
Petit-Frere then followed along as Fields landed with the Bears as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and once again emerged in Chicago as a young leader.
"He created himself as a new staple on that team," Petit-Frere said. "I think that his leadership and how affectionate he is as a person is about to rub off on a lot of people and is going to change that team."
Petit-Frere is the type of draft prospect who makes sense for the Bears. He's a player with high upside who's projected to be available in the second or third round.
The Bears have six draft picks at their disposal, including two in the second round (No. 39 and No. 48 overall). Adding to the offensive line will be a priority, and Chicago shouldn't be shy about taking a developmental prospect.
"Talented, athletic left tackle prospect who needs more time to develop before he's ready for next-level edge attacks," NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote of Petit-Frere.
Petit-Frere was named first-team all-Big Ten in 2021 after earning second-team honors in 2020. He was also named an All-American by a few outlets in 2021. Petit-Frere has the versatility to play either tackle position and also the potential to stick as the blind-side protector at left tackle.
Petit-Frere envisions being drafted as just the start of something special.
"I want to be part of this history," Petit-Frere said. "I want to be part of this team. Not just be a part of the team and just play, but I want to be part of the history of the team. I want to make sure that I do something that creates a legacy that lasts longer than the five-year contract or four-year contract that you get, that lasts longer than whatever contract you have, that lasts beyond generations, that people's kids can talk about, 'I remember that guy got drafted. I remember that guy that played for that team. I can't believe his dedication, his work ethic, his willingness to sacrifice for the team.'"
It remains unclear how the Bears intend to configure their offensive line with a new coaching staff in place. They return a pair of potential second-year starters at tackle in Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom, though tackle is also a position that could be addressed in the draft.
Whichever team takes a chance on Petit-Frere will be bringing in a player motivated to form a legacy beyond just himself.
"My main and number one mission is to go win a Super Bowl," Petit-Frere said. "There's nothing else that I'm going to settle for. There's no other accolades that I really care about or anything like that. The only thing I care about is getting a ring on my finger and being able to have that legacy be written into the lore of NFL history that I was a part of a Super Bowl championship team."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
