Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Newcastle Battle Injury Woes Ahead of Tottenham

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

Comment 11 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

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  

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 @ Windy City Gridiron on Apr 10, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

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

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

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 @ Windy City Gridiron on Apr 10, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

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  

Suddenly
I have a craving for an Eclair?

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

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  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Windy City Gridiron is the best independent site on the internet for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and hardcore discussion about the Chicago Bears

Community Guidelines

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Managers

Windycity_small Adam T

189886_210123485665309_100000029768895_888721_5830650_n__1__small Dane Noble

Editors

Sackwatchcutler_small Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.

Orange_shy_guy_small Steven Schweickert

Capture_small Kev H

Contributing Writers

Lincoln_small Sam Householder

Leprechaun_small Spongie

Polishsausage_small Steve Ronkowski

Cat_bonnet_small Pete Dixon

Icothgmts_small T.J. Shouse