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Matt Slauson - signed through 2017 - I never expected Slauson to be as good as he's been since the Bears picked him up on the cheap in 2013. Slauson came in and solidified the left guard position that year and he was rewarded with a 4 year contract. You could argue that he's been the Bears best offensive lineman during his time in Chicago. He doesn't have any Pro Bowls to show for his time, but his leadership and versatility has been invaluable. Proving his worth as a center and showing the ability to make all the line calls was just gravy. Slauson turns 30 in a few days, and if he keeps his health, I'd like to see him stick around for another contract.
Vladimir Ducasse - free agent - Ducasse has some strengths as a football player, but the more he plays, the more his weaknesses are exposed. He looks so lost in pass protection at times, but he can move the pile in the run game. I guess he could still refine his technique, but at 28, with 6 years of NFL experience under his belt, I think he is what he is at this point. I could see the Bears signing him to another 1 year minimum deal, but hopefully it's just for some depth. If Ducasse starts another 11 games for the Bears in 2016 that will be a problem.
Patrick Omameh - restricted free agent - Omameh wasn't much different than Ducasse, but he's only 26 years old. He's probably worth bringing back to compete for a spot, but unless he vastly improves, I'd rather not see him starting either. If he can max out his ability as a swing guard, I think the Bears would take it.
2016 OUTLOOK - The Bears need to address the right guard position. When they moved Kyle Long to tackle, they figured a Long (RT) / Ducasse (RG) right side was better than a Jordan Mills or Charles Leno (RT) / Long (RG) right side. Even though Long had some struggles, they were probably right in changing Long's position (the timing of the changed sucked though). But now the right guard spot needs a serious upgrade.
If the Bears decide to bring in a veteran, they could kill two birds with one stone and get a G/C type player. Will Montgomery is a candidate to return after ending 2015 on injured reserve, but I'd really like to see a legit starting right guard added. Houston's Brandon Brooks is 26 years old and has some decent athleticism for a man 340 pounds, but he'll also likely get top 10 guard money.
San Francisco's Alex Boone is coming of an injury, but Chicago D.C. Vic Fangio could provide a good scouting report on the 7 year pro. If you're looking for a free agent with ties to head coach John Fox, the Giants' Geoff Schwartz could be that guy. The 29 year old started 16 games for Fox's Panthers in 2010, but injuries during his two years in New York led to his release last week.
Detroit's Manuel Ramirez is another guy with ties to Fox, from their days in Denver together. The 33 year old has experience starting at both center and guard.
Even if the Bears pick up a veteran, I'd still like to see them draft on the o-line. A few options at guard are Joshua Garnett from Stanford, LSU's Vadal Alexander and North Carolina's Landon Turner
If any of these guys are there in the 3rd round, I could see the Bears quickly snatching them up. Interior lineman tend to fall in the draft, but talent in the trenches is so critical to a teams success. Depenidng on how the draft falls (like a run on guards), these three guys all could go in the 2nd round too.
Spencer Drango from Baylor, whom the Bears spoke with at the Senior Bowl, could be another option in the mid rounds. Drango is currently being projected in the 3rd or 4th round by CBSSports, because as a 4 year starter at left tackle in Baylor's spread offense, he'll have a bit of a learning curve to settle in at guard, which is where most scouts project him.
What are your thoughts on the offensive guard position for the Bears in 2016?