Windy City Gridiron: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Sounder At Heart for Seattle Sounders Fans!

The Bears biggest need is a Right Tackle

The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every rushing category as well as sacks allowed last year. They released the starting Right Tackle, Fred Miller, whose strength was considered to be as a run-blocker. John Tait, the starting Left Tackle is said to be versatile and could play either OT position. At his age, I am unsure if he still has the quickness to adequately protect the QBs blind(left) side against the opposing defenses best(usually) pass rushers. His best years in Kansas City came as the RT, but does he still have the strength to drive-block or the speed to get to the 2nd level?

John LeCLair is the only other OT on the roster; he even started a few games at Guard ahead of OG reserves Metcalf and Beekman. His strength would appear to be as a backup run-blocking RT/RG; but I have no way of verifying this, unless someone knows of a website that evaluates the pros: can anyone provide a link?

Assuming that LeClair is the backup RT and it would NOT be a good idea to backup a rookie with a rookie; it would be imperative the Bears draft a starting caliber RT. Obviously, the best chance to do this would be in Round1. Tait would have to suffice as the starting LT another year, and mentor a young draftpick in the difficult nuances of being a LT.

There is an excellent analysis of the Offensive Tackle prospects at: http://nfldraft.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1164&CID=768107

0 recs  |  Comment 11 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

It might be left
the word is if the Bears can find a suitable replacement Tait will move back to right, the position he played in KC before coming here.  

He only moved to left here because we couldn't find  a guy who could block anybody.

by Adam T on Apr 10, 2008 2:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Outside of Jake Long
I don't think the rest of the tackles in the draft will be ready to start at left tackle next season.

For this reason, I say screw this tackle BS.  Get a real left tackle in free agency next year.

by Chad on Apr 10, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

chad Keiper to the rescue
didnt you read my segment about 3 rookie LT, 2 started all 16 and 1 started 1 and played in 13. all of their RB has 100+ yrds. might want think that through again.

by SuperBowlXX on Apr 10, 2008 3:06 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

seriously...
... learn how to use the "Reply to This" link.

by big_lowitzki on Apr 10, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

where is this write up about rookie left tackles
If any of those guys were top 5 picks, I'm going to get real mad at you.

Not to mention, it's not 'rookie' tackles that I take exception to.  It's the tackles who will be rookies next year who I don't think will be ready.

by Chad on Apr 10, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who is LeClair?
It seriously hurts the credibility of any post when you can't even get an easy name right...

by cltcprd on Apr 10, 2008 5:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

dude chill the hell out
being a jerk about something as trivial as the spelling of a tertiary lineman hurts your credibility.
-leopoldjones

by leopoldjones on Apr 10, 2008 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Suddenly
I have a craving for an Eclair?

by Adam T on Apr 10, 2008 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was getting kind of hungry
when I created that post; my apologies to John St. Clair and anyone who went to a bakery or didnt realize who I was talking about. St. Clair was actually a highly regarded high school prospect and a 3rd round draftpick by St. Louis in 2000. He probably has enough talent to be a starter at either OT position and is signed through 2008. He is listed as 6'5" 315lbs.
Coincidently, Tait, signed through 2009, is a 6'6" 312lb. OT drafted in 1999 by Kansas City at #14. With the #14 pick will the Bears select 6'6" 312lb. Chris Williams?

by gillrowdy on Apr 11, 2008 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome Grabowskis, to SB Nation's blog about everything Chicago Bears.

Community Guidelines
Start posting about the Bears »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Lightbulb_small
Why The Defense Has Collapsed
Bears_small
Hang in there, Bears!

Recent FanPosts

610x_small
My keys to victory over Cardinals
Small
2010 O-Line Help in Draft? Unlikely
Medium_matt-forte_small
An interesting video!
Jimmcmahon_small
Olin Kreutz is one of the dirtiest players in the NFL
Andrew602_avatar_small
Ask Revenge of the Birds
Bears2_small
Key Player to keep an eye on: Dominique Rodgers-Comartie
Devin-hester_small
Photshop contest
Small
The Upcoming Schedule & DA Defense
19936057_m_medium_small
Free Agent To Be Offensive Linemen
Devin-hester_small
Garrett Wolfe

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

Blogging The Boys
Pickin' & Grinnin' Week Nine
Mile High Report
Scouting Terrence Cody
Battle Red Blog
Ryan Moats Will Start Against The Colts

SPONSORS


General Manager/ Head Coach

Windycity_small Adam T

Les-miles-bears-2_small Dane Noble

Assistant Head Coach

Briggsie_small ChiFan13

Position Coaches

Evalltheway_small SackMan

Leelee_n_laylor_bff wiltfongjr