Chicago Bears 2015 Position Battles: Offensive Line

(Edited on 8/12/15 to reflect the roster moves during training camp)

The Chicago Bears are flirting with the idea of moving Pro Bowl offensive guard Kyle Long to offensive tackle. He's been working out at right tackle this offseason, but from a purely athletic standpoint, left tackle could make sense too. If the Bears decide to kick Long outside, that could affect how their depth along the offensive line shakes out.

The Bears are supposedly going to have a renewed commitment to the running game and they are doing so with a zone blocking scheme. O-line coach Dave Magazu has a history of good offensive lines from his time in Denver back to his time in Carolina. Magazu's rushing numbers are always solid and his sack numbers relatively low.

Roster locks

It's safe to say that holdovers starters Kyle Long, Matt Slauson, Jermon Bushrod and Jordan Mills are all returning. Some are down on Mills, but at the very least he'll add quality depth if he's beaten out for a starting job. His top competition at right tackle could come from Long if he's kicked outside.

Free agent center Will Montgomery gives the Bears a veteran presence in the middle until rookie Hroniss Grasu is ready. If Grasu wins the center job, Montgomery has experience at guard as well and he'd provide interior depth.

A good bet to make it

Second year pro Charles Leno was getting the reps at left tackle with Bushrod sidelined during OTAs, and reports have him bulked up and looking solid. I also think Vladimir Ducasse's experience makes him a good bet to win a reserve role at guard. Former CFL'er, Michael Ola, proved he belongs in the NFL last year by performing admirably up and down the Bears' line, and his versatility gives him an advantage. If these three join the six I feel are shoo-ins, that makes for a heated competition at the bottom of the depth chart.

On the bubble

In Denver the last two seasons, head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Adam Gase, and o-line coach Dave Magazu kept 9 guys one year and 10 offensive linemen the other. So that leaves quite a few guys battling it out for one possible spot. The Bears will no doubt want a couple o-linemen for their practice squad, but as for the final 53 man roster, these bubble guys will really need to impress.

If anyone has the upper-hand it's probably 6th round draft pick Tayo Fabuluje. Bears' general manager Ryan Pace raved abut his nimble feet, his strength and his ability to overcome adversity. If he has a good camp and preseason, I could see the Bears keeping him as a reserve tackle.

Guards Conor Boffeli and Chad Hamilton, and tackles Jason Weaver and Cameron Jefferson will all just hope to impress enough to warrant a practice squad job in Chicago or somewhere else.

EDIT: Hamilton has decided to retire.

EDIT: The Bears traded Ryan Groy to the Patriots.

What are your thoughts on the offensive line depth for the Bears? Do you think they keep 9 or 10?