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2013 NFL Draft: Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson

We get back to the offensive line with Lane Johnson, who gave himself a step up in yesterday's Senior Bowl.

Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

I'd be extremely hesitant to put an offensive lineman named "Lane" on the roster; the only thing worse would be "Freeway" unless the guy had a reputation as a real road-grader (and really, based on names, remember Doug Free still has an NFL job). It's right up there with "Grant Balfour" as a bad baseball name.

But Lane Johnson's a bit different. He had himself a real showing at the Senior Bowl yesterday, so it's only appropriate that we turn our attention to the Oklahoma offensive tackle. Personally, I wouldn't be looking at an offensive tackle this early (1st/2nd round) with J'Marcus Webb looking something more resembling average and Gabe Carimi essentially being a second-year player - then again, I'm not an executive of an NFL franchise that's had an offensive line resembling that of the Mean Machine the last few years.

Johnson originally was a quarterback, who moved to tight end, then to defensive end, and then moved to right tackle in 2011 - at this point, he can play both sides, has good size for the position, a big frame, and very smooth feet as well as the ability to fire off the ball quickly. He's pretty rough in technique and could use some work on his blocking angles, but when your comparison point is Joe Staley, you're doing something right.

Currently, CBS has him at 20 to the Bears in Rob Rang's mock and at 16 to the Rams in Dane Brugler's mock; WalterFootball has him still in the second round at 44 to the Panthers.

Do you think tackle is enough of a need to pick up another first or second round pick at the position, or do the Bears need a guard or center more than a tackle?