Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Offensive Tackle Groups
Who has the best Offensive Tackle group in the division?
As we enter the dog days of the offseason it is time to turn our attention to the season coming. For this series, we will examine every position group in the NFC North and see where the Bears group of players fit in. This will include depth as well as top end talent. This should be a good exercise to see where the Bears stand in both depth and talent, then look back at the end of the season and see who exceeded or failed to meet expectations. For the first position, we will look at offensive tackle.
4. Bears
Bobby Massie, Charles Leno, Tom Compton, Bradley Sowell
It is hard to have a tackle group worse than the Vikings, but the Bears could most certainly be that. Massie was a free agent signing in 2016 who struggled much of the early portion of the season. He settled in a bit during the back half, and there is a chance to see some more progression in 2017. However, he now has to be looked at as the team’s top lineman.
Leno got thrust into the fire in 2015 in did well considering his circumstances. However, he has not progressed much, and this will be a big year for Leno to try to prove he is worth giving a chance. Last season he was well below average as a starter and may profile better in a backup role next year. Compton and Sowell were signed but both were low-end late offseason moves. There is not much in the future, nor is there top end talent to bank on.