SALINAS >> Before renovations began on a new weight room, plastered along the side of the building at Palma High for the past four years was a series of poster photos of some of the most iconic athletes who have graced the facilities.

Even when he’s not wearing a football helmet, there’s no mistaking Drew Dalman’s presence when the Chicago Bears’ new center shows up on campus during the summer to put in a workout on the field where he honed his craft.

“You can’t quantify it,” Palma football coach Jeff Carnazzo said. “It’s amazing to have Drew come out and work with these kids. He’s proud of where he came from. It’s special for our kids.”

Regarded as one of the top five centers in the NFL, Dalman begins a new chapter in his career when he reports to the Chicago Bears training camp on July 21.

The 26-year-old signed a three-year $42 million deal — $28 million of which is guaranteed — in March to leave the Falcons after four years for the Windy City.

“There’s a lot of novelty and new things with a new team,” Dalman said. “But I also feel there is a bit more understanding of the overall view and schemes of what it takes to be in the NFL.”

Unlike his rookie season for the Falcons, when the former Stanford standout was adjusting to the physicality and speed of the game, Dalman spent the off-season adjusting to the mental aspect of a culture change.

A new team means learning a new system, adapting to new teammates, different coaches and a different vibe around the facilities and city.

“There is plenty of new terminology and schemes,” Dalman said. “A lot of the core stuff, I’m familiar with. There are new wrinkles. It’s a learning process. But it’s been good.”

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Dalman is part of a revamped offensive line, on which the Bears also added two new guards in free agency to surround their prized center.

The Bears, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2011 and finished 5-12 last fall, also have a new coach with an offensive mindset in former Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

“I do get a sense that people are excited about the new regime and possibilities,” Dalman said. “It does seem like the city is tapped into what the Bears are doing.”

As the top center on the free agent market, Dalman had numerous teams inquire — including the 49ers — about landing the 2017 Palma prodigy.

Ultimately, the Bears checked off a lot of the boxes, giving Dalman a feeling that the franchise is pointed in the right direction with its off-season moves.

“There were strengths in the system that I have as a player that I think I can help here,” Dalman said. “I felt this is where I could be as most effective as possible.”

Drafted in the fourth round in 2021 by the Falcons, Johnson called Dalman the quarterback of his revamped offensive line during a press conference to announce his signing back in late March.

While a high ankle sprain limited Dalman to nine games last year, he proved durable in his first three years, playing in 48 out of a possible 52 games.

“The body is good,” Dalman said. “Obviously if you play enough snaps in the NFL, things add up a bit. But I had a great off-season. Training at Stanford, it gave me the resources I needed to work effectively, as well as improve the muscles and tendons around the ankle.”

When Dalman wasn’t in Chicago or Palo Alto, he was on the field at Palma, doing drills, where current players would eye his every move.

“Kids gravitate toward him,” Carnazzo said. “Drew is the classic example of a pro athlete that is a tremendous role model. He’s a humble person that goes about his business.”

The memories and milestones that Dalman created as a Chieftain, which included being named The Herald’s Defensive Player of the Year, do resurface when he returns to campus.

“I have so many good memories of high school and being around here,” Dalman said. “Seeing others enjoy football gives me satisfaction. I’ll hit the field and work with these kids.”

His off-season in Chicago with organized team activities and mini-camp only enhanced Dalman’s feeling that his decision was the right one, having already developed chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams.

Part of the reason for revamping the Bears offensive line is Williams — the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft — was sacked a league-high 68 times — the third highest total in NFL history.

“That relationship and dynamics needs time to form,” Dalman said. “But I’ve really enjoyed my time with Caleb. We’ve gotten plenty of reps together. It’s no surprise, he’s an incredible athlete.”

As the second-highest-paid center in the NFL, Dalman has never looked for personal accolades to add to his resume. What matters to him are team goals — particularly in the trenches.

“I have goals as far as how the whole offensive line performs,” Dalman said. “The line is not an individual position in my mind. It’s a total team effort. I always value the group much more than any one individual assessment.”

Unlike his father Chris, who reached the NFL playoffs in each of his first six seasons with the 49ers, Dalman has yet to taste the postseason. Yet, it’s not something that eats at him.

“I don’t know if those thoughts cross my mind,” Dalman said. “I think about in terms of this season. The goal is to make the playoffs. Every team in this league feels it can win. That’s the magic of the NFL with parity. Every season comes with its own arc.”

Dalman treasured his time in Atlanta, which was a disappointing 8-9 last year after being targeted as the preseason favorites in the NFC’s South Division.

“I felt lucky to have some good coaches to work with and great teammates to play with,” Dalman said. “I just wish we could’ve been better and more successful.”

The Bears were the only team in the NFC North not to make the playoffs last year, as Detroit, Minnesota and Green Bay all won 11 or more games.

That’s in the rearview mirror as Dalman spent the off-season strengthening his ankles and fine-tuning his game for what he believes will be a revival in Chicago.

“I don’t feel anything is ever finished as far as skill and technique,” Dalman said. “The point of emphasis has been prioritizing getting up to speed with the new schemes, improving on things I have not had quite as much experience with.”

Because the Bears don’t train at or near Soldier Field, Dalman has only played one game at the historic stadium as a member of the Falcons.

“We played there a couple of years ago on New Year’s Eve and it was snowing,” Dalman said. “So that’s probably not a fair evaluation of the field or the environment.”

Dalman will make one West Coast appearance this year, visiting the 49ers on Dec. 28. The Bears will also play the Raiders in Las Vegas on Sept. 28.

“Getting Drew is a steal for the Bears,” Carnazzo said. “He makes everyone around him better because of who he is. He becomes a leader because of his input and production.”

Because Dalman is just 26 and hasn’t suffered any significant injuries, he hasn’t put a timetable on how long he wants to play in the NFL.

“I don’t think about it,” Dalman said. “My focus is on the quality of my play and team goals. I feel like chances are you’re kind of told when you’re not up to snuff anymore.”

As much as Dalman enjoys returning to Palma to work with kids, coaching is not in his long-term plans.

“I have a lot of goals in life that are outside of football,” said Dalman, a three-time member of The Herald’s All-County football team, and an All-Pac 12 selection at Stanford.

That doesn’t surprise Caranzzo.

“In my 35 years of teaching, he’s the smartest kid I’ve ever taught,” Carnazzo said. “He just works incredibly hard at whatever he does. He’ll be just as successful as an engineer or whatever path he chooses after football.”