2019 NFL Draft: Bears could add physical guard in Dru Samia

If the Chicago Bears are looking for a guard in the middle rounds, Dru Samia from Oklahoma will be worth a look

While many mock drafts have the Chicago Bears going running back early, they could find a replacement in one of the later rounds as well.

Despite bringing Kyle Long back and signing Ted Larsen, the team is going to have to upgrade guard at some point in the draft. If they were going to do it in the middle rounds, they could be looking at Dru Samia.

Dru Samia is a former right tackle who moved inside to guard during his college career. He found a lot of success in being able to let out his physicality on the inside.

His physical nature and violent hands are what sticks out from a video standpoint, and his ability to get out on the move was highlighted in his transition to guard. However, as you can see on his mockdraftable web, his size and reach will be worth watching to see how it translates.

Here is what NFL.com has to say:

"Vocal leader who has cut his teeth with an Oklahoma offensive line that has dripped with aggression and attitude during his four years as a starter. Samia is a loose-limbed, athletic guard whose foot quickness and second-level agility make him much more attractive as a move guard rather than a base-blocking option. His length and movement skills are a big plus, but issues with core strength and body control at the point of attack must be improved in order to survive against NFL power."

They mention him as a move guard, which would be a fit in the Bears current offensive line plans. While his core strength is going to be a concern, and it showed at the combine, his strength at the second level and aggression presents upside.

Take a look at some of his best plays here.

According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out best against the bull rush, where he ranked 7th in the nation. He also finished 26th in pass rush success and 30th in run success. Overall, he is looked at more as a pass blocker.

This can show in his aggressive style, where his core strength can be tested against the run.

Skinny

Dru Samia fits the mold for what the Bears need to find in this draft. They are not going to pick from the cream of the crop at the 87th overall pick. They also do not need a direct replacement, as Kyle Long bought them some time.

However, they want to add a player who is versatile, as he will take a non-starting roster spot and may have to fill in as emergency depth. They also want a player who could be molded into a starter.

Dru Samia can slide into tackle or guard, and at the worst take a roster spot from Bryan Witzmann or Bradley Sowell moving forward. His physicality and movement abilities give him some mold-ability to add to his skill set at the next level. That is what Harry Hiestand is here for, right?

If the Bears are looking for a mid-round shot at a guard who could provide backup duties with starter upside, Dru Samia could very well be that choice.