Bears sign 7th-rounder Webb

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears have signed the first of their five 2010 NFL draft choices by inking seventh-round selection offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb to a four-year deal.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"J'Marcus really feels honored to have an opportunity to play for the Bears, Lovie Smith and Mike Tice," Webb's agent Walter Cooper said Sunday night. "He wanted to show his commitment by getting this thing done so he could get in there, dig in, and start learning the offense. Now that this isn't hanging over his head, he can get to work and show the team how committed he is."

The 6-foot-8, 328-pound offensive lineman started his final two collegiate seasons at West Texas A&M after beginning his career at the University of Texas. Webb, who was born in Fort Worth, Texas, played in 12 games as a true freshman for the Longhorns in 2006 before deciding to transfer.

Webb attended the Bears rookie minicamp the weekend following the draft and will participate in the full-team minicamp scheduled to start on Friday, May 21. The rookie joins a group at offensive tackle that features starters Chris Williams and Frank Omiyale, along with reserves Kevin Shaffer and James Marten -- although Shaffer is currently in competition to win a starting job at left guard.

Seventh-round selections under Bears general manager Jerry Angelo haven't faired well in Chicago, with only Lance Louis (2009) remaining on the roster. Webb became the thirteenth player drafted by Angelo in the seventh-round since 2002.

In recent years the Bears have moved quickly to lock up draft picks, being the first team in the league in both 2006 and 2009 to have their entire draft class under contract.

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