The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway. With 76 days to go until the Bears season kicks off we will highlight the Bears player that is wearing number 76, offensive lineman, Tom Compton.
2016 Season Review
Compton is a 5-year pro who spent the 2016 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Compton appeared in all 16 games for Atlanta last season but didn’t start in any of them. He was a regular on the Falcons’ special teams units and also subbed a little on the offensive line as well.
Compton graded out as a solid run blocker for the Falcons last year but his opportunities in pass pro left much to be desired. After one season in Atlanta, the Falcons decided to move on from him and allowed him to leave via free agency.
2017 Outlook
Compton’s outlook is similar to that of Bradley Sowell. Compton will receive an opportunity to win the swing tackle job out of camp, but has some ability to play inside at guard as well. That versatility may give him a leg up on his competition for a roster spot.
Compton isn’t going to beat out Bobby Massie or Charles Leno for a starting position, but the reserve offensive linemen jobs will be highly competitive. The Bears have Eric Kush, Taylor Boggs, Sowell, Compton, Hroniss Grasu, Jordan Morgan, and William Poehls all battling it out for what will most likely be four reserve roles. Compton will have to outperform both Poehls and Sowell at swing tackle, and if the Bears want to try him at guard he’ll have plenty of competition there from Kush and Morgan.
Future with Bears
Compton’s future is completely up in the air. Compton has an opportunity to win a reserve role in training camp. He definitely was not just brought in as “camp competition.” He has a definite opportunity to make this team.
However, with a crowded offensive line situation and the fact that there are multiple individuals younger than Compton, he definitely has an uphill battle. If he can win the swing tackle position and gets an opportunity to play due to injury, he will have a chance to take advantage of that position and potentially earn a role with the team again in 2018 and beyond.
However, getting to that point is a long way away. Compton needs to focus on winning a spot on the 53-man roster and once he does that, he can focus on retaining his job. However, as Roger Goodell would say, it is more probable than not that Compton will find himself on the outside looking in after camp and be one of the cuts from the offensive line. He will most likely be looking for a new team before week one.