The Chicago Bears open their 2015 regular season on September 13th at home against the Green Bay Packers, which is exactly 78 days away. Continuing our Countdown to Kickoff series, it is time to take a look at #78, second year tackle Jason Weaver.
After two years at Southern Mississippi as an honorable mention Conference USA tackle, Weaver was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was released during final cuts his rookie year but was signed by the Miami Dolphins and spent the 2013 season on their practice squad. After being released by the Dolphins before the 2014 season Weaver spent some time with the Bucs and Saints before being added to the Bears practice squad mid-way through last season. Weaver has yet to see any snaps in the NFL.
A left tackle in college, Weaver was projected as a guard or right tackle in the NFL, due to his lack of ideal length for a tackle (6’4) and sub-par lateral foot speed. Weaver’s combine numbers before the 2013 draft were pretty average across the board with no one ability standing out and he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick but ultimately fell out of the draft. He was a two year starter in college who was solid in pass pro with a strong base and good technique with his hands. Weaver is strong enough to get push in the running game as well. He plays with a good motor and is a solid overall player, just lacks athletic upside and projects as an NFL backup.
Currently Weaver is listed as the Bears backup at right tackle for Jordan Mills, but when Mills was out for OTAs the Bears slid Kyle Long over from guard to take his place. That’s a pretty clear indicator that Weaver isn’t in the mix for the starting position, and he could be battling recent 6th round pick Tayo Fabuleje for a roster spot in training camp. Weaver is a long shot, but his reliable pass pro technique and strong work ethic gives him a shot to lock down one of the last roster spots this season.