A former Michigan State offensive lineman is currently making a name for himself during his first NFL preseason, and it's likely going to be the start of a long professional career for him.
That lineman is Luke Newman, a rookie who was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been impressive throughout preseason ball, and he's been receiving praise from fans, coaches, media members, and even former players.
One former player caught my attention when he spoke highly of the Spartan product.
Former Bears Pro Bowler and All-Pro center Olin Kreutz who played in the NFL for 14 seasons has been raving about Newman lately, even giving his opinion on his position. He started his career at the University of Washington where he was an All-American and a two-time All-Pac-12 lineman.
Bears might of found something in Luke Newman. I’d like to see him play some center also.
— Olin kreutz (@olin_kreutz) August 18, 2025
Right now, Luke is projected to be the backup left guard behind Joe Thuney this season, and if he continues to show improvement like he did throughout the preseason, he's going to eventually earn a starting job somewhere along the offensive line, likely on the interior.
Scouts believe that he has a length problem that could prevent him from playing tackle, but Kreutz believes the Bears found "something" in Newman and he'd like to see him play his former position in the middle of the line. That would be an interesting fit, and I could see Newman excelling there, too. He already looks like a legitimate NFL starter.
Kreutz knows what he's talking about because he played in the NFL for 14 years and was a six-time Pro Bowler and a 2000s NFL All-Decade team member. I think he knows a thing or two.
Talk about high praise.