Chicago Bears 2015 Position Preview: OG
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Backups
Ryan Groy
Wisconsin O-linemen are consistently underrated coming out of college due mainly to the fact that they are viewed as one-dimensional run blockers. Run-blocking is indeed Groy’s best attribute, but he held his own as a pass blocker in his three starts last season. With the Bears implementing a power run scheme under new HC John Fox a mauling run blocker like Gory may find himself the first man off the bench if Long or Slauson needs a breather.
Vladimir Ducasse
Former 2nd round pick by the Jets in 2010 who was a serviceable back-up guard for the Jets from 2010-203, before signing a 1-year deal with the Vikings in 2014. Ducasse has struggled when given a chance to start with negative grades from PFF in his 10 career starts, but has performed well enough as a backup. He’s a massive lineman (6’4 | 330) with long arms and surprisingly quick feet which got him drafted in round 2 despite the fact that he didn’t play football in high school growing up in Haiti. Ducasse’s late start to football has shown on the field with little awareness of defensive schemes and raw blocking footwork. He struggles to pick up blitzes and recognize stunts and hasn’t shown enough aggressiveness as a run blocker. Despite his flaws, it’s rare to find a guy with Ducasse’s combination of size and agility and if the light ever goes on for Ducasse, he could be an impact player at guard or right tackle.
Unknowns
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Conor Boffeli
Former Iowa lineman who spent the majority of last season on the Bears practice squad. Like most Hawkeye linemen, Boffeli’s technique is solid and he also shows an innate understanding of blocking angles and leverage. He has the ability to play either guard or center and his versatility gives him a shot to earn a backup spot on the Bears 53-man roster. Boffeli lacks ideal size for an NFL lineman (6’4, 298) and has short arms (32″), but his work ethic, intelligence and versatility should at least keep him around on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the roster.
Chad Hamilton
Tweener O-line prospect who has the feet and athleticism to play tackle, but the height (6’2) of a guard. At only 292 pounds Hamilton may lack the bulk to play inside at the NFL level, especially when the Bears seem to be leaning towards massive linemen and a power running scheme. It’s possible the Bears may use Hamilton as a reserve tackle, he’s short but does have good arm length (34″). He moves very well for his size, uses his arm length and hands effectively, and dominated the FCS level (Coastal Carolina) as both a run and pass blocker. Hamilton played both left tackle and guard in college and may have enough versatility to play center as well. I thought Hamilton would be a day 3 pick and consider the Bears lucky to get a guy with his mobility and elite footwork as an undrafted free agent. My prediction for Hamilton is that the Bears keep him on the practice squad for the 2015 season, giving him time to get stronger and perhaps familiarize himself with the center position before taking over as Grasu’s backup in 2016.
Cameron Jefferson
Three year starter at left guard and former team captain for UNLV who earned an honorable mention All-Mountain West award before transferring to Arkansas for his last year of eligibility. Jefferson was a key part of the Razorbacks power run scheme and has the size (6’4 | 317) and power to be a decent run blocker at the NFL level. His pass pro technique needs significant work and he isn’t ready to contribute this year, but with a year of seasoning and added strength on the practice squad, Jefferson could have some value down the road.