Chicago Bears Select Louisiana Tech Offensive Tackle Jordan Mills in 5th Round
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Jordan Mills of Louisiana Tech against the Senior Bowl north squad during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Emery might take an unconventional route at times, but at least he sees the same football team that we as fans are watching. The Bears had a couple of glaring weakness from last season and he is addressing those in the draft. After taking offensive lineman Kyle Long in Round 1, Phil Emery and the Chicago Bears traded back 10 spots in the fifth round, picking up a seventh rounder from the Atlanta Falcons, to select Louisiana Tech offensive tackle Jordan Mills.
Mills boosted his stock with a strong Senior Bowl week, showing well in practice against Top-10 pick Ziggy Ansah. He was a two-year starter for a Louisiana Tech. Walter Football had him ranked as their 11th ranked offensive tackle. Here’s a scouting report on the 6’5″ 316 pounder, who started at guard before sliding out to right tackle. Some scouts view him as a left tackle and I’ve seen comparisons to former Alabama tackle Andre Smith and The Blind Side inspiration, Michael Oher.
Here’s what NFL.com has on Mills:
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Mills has tremendous size and power in his upper and lower body. Mills is always hustling, and doesn’t stop working until the whistle blows. He shows good awareness on stunts and sells play action passes very well. Mills has a very good first step. Takes a powerful inside step to cut off defenders. Showcases this step and balance on seal and reach blocks. Coordinated, with a good pass set.
WEAKNESSES
Inconsistent in his aiming point. Will grab outside of the chest plate, which will result in holding calls. Mills isn’t very quick off the snap, and can be beaten almost instantaneously because of this. Mills can also be found lunging at his blocks too often. Never played left tackle.
NFL COMPARISON
Michael Oher
BOTTOM LINE
Mills is a powerful player with tremendous size. He combines this size with great hustle. Aside from a couple starts at guard his freshman season, Mills has only played at right tackle, but scouts will likely see him as a versatile prospect capable of playing left tackle, right tackle, or guard. Mills could find himself as a top-100 selection.
I’m sure Phil Emery will point to that versatility as a reason for drafting him.
The addition of Mills adds to an already crowded offensive line group for the Bears. The pads will certainly be popping in Bourbonnais with so many linemen vying for a few spots on the Bears offensive line. This addition could push Gabe Carimi out the door.
What do you think of the pick? Was there another prospect you would rather have seen in this spot?