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