Player to Watch: Amini Silatulo (6’4 | 311 | 5.23)
A big run-mauling guard who moves surprising well for his size. His 10-yard split time of 1.86 is pretty solid for a 300+ pounder and on tape Silatolu gets to the second level quickly and has a knack for pancaking linebackers.
I don’t know how this guy is still unsigned as he was one of my top ten free agent offensive linemen. The former 2nd round pick in 2012 has struggled with injuries but started 15 games as a rookie and 28 games in his four-year career. He’s been a plus run-blocker his whole career and has shown gradual improvement as a pass blocker as well.
The Bears have already added a lot of depth on the interior line this off-season but the 27-year-old Silatolu has more upside than any of the Bears recent additions, except maybe Cody Whitehair. If Silatolu is recovered from his late-season ACL tear, he could be a valuable depth option by the second half of the 2016 season, could push Whitehair for the starting left guard position, and could even back up Charles Leno Jr at left tackle since Silatolu played the position for a few years in college.
Silatolu may not be ready to start the season on the active roster, but is a very talented run blocker with the movement skills necessary to excel in a zone-blocking scheme and is young enough (27) to be a valuable interior linemen with starter potential sometime during the next few seasons.
Here is a scouting report from Wes Bunting of the National Football Post:
"Is a dominant run blocker. Not only can he coil up into his stance and really snap through his hips into contact, extending his arms and gaining leverage, but he also loves to finish. Showcases a strong set of legs and can run through contact and routinely get a good push. He’s very impressive on the move. Showcases “plus” range for his size when asked to pull as a backside tackle, lead the power play and reach defenders in space. Plays with a nasty streak, loves to finish and his combination of range/athleticism and balance makes him dominant when trying to kick out defenders. Loves to block down field as well, routinely plays till the whistle and his range in space is very impressive, especially the way he covers ground and breaks down so quickly, dropping his pad level and/or cutting defenders in the process."
Silatolu has the ability to be an above-average run blocker in new OC Dowell Loggains zone-blocking scheme and if healthy can be a Pro Bowl caliber player at the guard position. He could be a steal for the Bears if they are willing to be patient while Silatolu recovers from his ACL tear last season.