Guard:
The guard position was a glaring weak spot for the Bears last season. Matt Slauson was solid as usual, but was forced to play center at times this season leaving the Bears with holes at both guard positions. They badly need an influx of talent at guard and they could look to the draft to find some.
Ted Karras, Illinois – One of many Illini who played well on Saturday. Karras was highlighted once by the announcers for a solid run block and I saw at least two more that deserved mention. Karass did an excellent job sealing off interior defenders to open holes in the run game and held his own in pass pro as well. The anouncers also mentioned Karass’ edge and mean streak, which are good traits for an o-linemen in my opinion. Karass was considered a late day 3 pick coming into the week, but may have boosted his stock a round or two with a strong week of practice and solid overall Shrine game.
Parker Ehinger, Cincinnati – Played mostly left tackle in college, but moved inside to guard at the Shrine game since that is where he is likely to play at the next level. He has good size for a guard (6’6 | 315), plays through the whistle with a nasty streak, and is a polished pass blocker coming from Cincinnati’s spread offense. He wasn’t asked to run block as much in college, but was able to move defenders off the ball during the Shrine game. Ehringer is a mid-to-late round prospect with starter upside.