You can debate whether or not the Bears are set at offensive line but if you think they are, you’re on the wrong side of the argument. The starters are shaky and injury history for two of Jerry Angelo’s first round draft picks in Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi don’t exactly inspire confidence. A really interesting prospect is O/G/T (that’s offensive guard/tackle) Cordy Glenn out of Georgia.
Here’s the Analysis on Glenn from CBS Sports:
Analysis
Pass blocking: Surprisingly agile for a big man but is susceptible to speed rushes which likely will force him back inside or to right tackle after starting the entire 2011 season on the blindside for the Bulldogs. Eases out of his stance and waits for the defender to come to him. Possesses long arms and is very powerful, often easily controlling his opponent. Naturally balanced with good lateral agility to mirror the defender. Wide-bodied so opponents can rarely get past him and has an excellent anchor so bull rushes are futile. Nitpicking, but can be a bit inconsistent with his recognition on combination blocks. Typically gets an initial punch in on the defensive tackle before switching off to take on the blitzing linebacker, but can be fooled and miss his assignment. Can get a bit lazy with his hand placement, making him vulnerable to swim moves.
Run blocking: Excellent size and strength as a drive blocker. Can get fundamentally lazy, at times, playing too high and/or being a beat late off the snap. As such, he can miss with his initial punch and fail to push back his target. More often, he shows good hand placement and the leg drive to clear a hole. Powerful. Can knock defenders off the ball, providing impressive pancake blocks against even talented opponents. Good recognition in combination blocks in the running game. Good, powerful initial shove to the defensive tackle and gets to the second level with good quickness. Shows the ability to adjust his path to locate and attack his target. Rare body control for a man of his size when blocking at the second level.
Pulling/trapping: Shows surprising quickness and fluidity when pulling from left guard to lead on the toss and counter. Light on his feet and can adjust to hit the moving target at the second level.
Initial Quickness: A bit inconsistent with his initial get-off, though this may be simply a concentration issue with the snap-count. Demonstrates good initial quickness off the snap (especially for a man of his size) when pulling, but can be a beat late off the snap on other plays. Rarely is he actually beaten when late off the snap, however, due to his girth and long, powerful arms to catch and contain his assignment.
Downfield: Perhaps his most impressive trait, which is saying something. Gets to the second level quickly and consistently erases linebackers from the play. Doesn’t waste his energy with pancake blocks, but instead seals off the defender completely, assuring that his assignment isn’t in position to impact the ball-carrier.
Intangibles: Had four starts at left tackle over his career (all in 2009) entering the 2011 season. Turned in his paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisory Committee following last season but elected to return based partially on the plan to see more time at left tackle in 2011. Never missed a game due to injury while at Georgia.
I stumbled onto this good draft analysis video breaking down Glenn on YouTube:
I like Glenn because he projects at either guard or tackle. The Bears could definitely use that sort of versatility as Mike Tice tries to re-shape his offensive line. If J’Marcus Webb can’t cut it at left tackle, Glenn could slide in at tackle but if the Bears decide that Chris Williams isn’t a starting guard, Glenn would provide a real presence at that left guard.
The Bears have been very focused on adding depth and backups at key positions. Even if the coaching staff has Phil Emery duped into believing that they’re set at O-line, Glenn would provide the flexibility to be a super-sub that they need for the inevitable injuries they’ll face during the season. If he’s there at #19, a strong case could be made for the Bears to draft him.