OT
The Bears
With Charles Leno playing well and Kyle Long continuing to develop, the Bears need at OT has diminished somewhat. The Bears could still easily add competition and depth behind Leno, but I doubt they spend big money. OG is another question all together as it has been manned for most of this season by journeymen. The Bears could use a real RG from either the draft or free agency that could stabilize the position.
The Class
There are a number of solid OT in the free agent class that could provide the Bears with affordable depth and competition. One of the true positives of Leno's development is that he makes nothing, considering the position he plays. The Bears should invest in a solid backup and their budget should be solid. There are 3 OGs that will command serious money and can be counted on to start immediately. There are also a couple of young intriguing options that have starting experience, if the Bears choose to spend less.
Top End
1. Russell Okung [Seattle] 28 5 years 47 million/26 guaranteed [Branden Albert]
-Will be incredibly expensive and he has injury issues, would probably not provide 12 million dollars more to the position than Leno.
2. Cordy Glenn [Buffalo] 26 5 years 37.5 million/17.5 million [Eugene Monroe]
-A very intriguing option because of his size and ability to play LT and RT. Would be surprised if he got out of Buffalo un tagged.
3. Mitchell Schwartz [Cleveland] 26 5 years 32 million/15 guaranteed [Brian Bulaga]
-The strength of the class is at RT so if the Bears want to move Long they will have options. Schwartz has quietly become one of the better RTs in the league. He will cost serious money, but at 26 is an intriguing option.
4. Andre Smith [Cincinnati] 28 5 years 30 million/10 guaranteed [Austin Howard]
-Probably the cheaper of the RT options and injuries and conditioning are concerns, but when he is on he is very good and a powerful run blocker.
Young and Intriguing
1. Bobbie Massie [Arizona] 26 5 years 32 million/14 guaranteed [Jeremy Parnell]
-One of my top choices if the Bears do not decide to go with Leno at LT. Massie has great size [6'6" 318lbs] and has really started to develop into a good RT. He shouldn't be crazy expensive and he could continue to get better.
2. Donald Stephenson [Kansas City] 27 5 years 30 million/9 guaranteed [Anthony Collins]
-He can play LT, but injuries and suspensions have slowed his progress. If the Bears could get him on a short deal or for cheap to compete with Leno that would be awesome, but I assume someone will give him mid tier LT money.
3. Kelvin Beachem [Steelers] 25 ?
-Coming off an ACL really complicates things and he physically is similar to Leno, which means lacking upside, probably too big of a risk for the Bears.
Stop Gaps
1. Chris Clark [Houston] 30 2 years 5.7 million/2 guaranteed [Erik Pears]
2. Eric Winston [Cincinnati] 32 1 year 1.5 million
3. Ryan Harris [Denver] 30 2 years 5.7 million/2 guaranteed [Erik Pears]
OG
Top End
1. Kelechi Osemele [Baltimore] 26 5 years 36.5 million/16.5 guaranteed [Orlando Franklin]
-Has the size [6'5" 330lbs] and the experience in the zone run game that the Bears run, has some consistency issues, but can be dominant. He will get paid.
2. Brandon Brooks [Houston] 26 5 years 36.5 million/16.5 guaranteed [Orlando Franklin]
-Another intriguing player who has youth and size [6'5" 325lbs] on his size. Brooks was developing into one of the better young OGs in the league before injury hit this season, so you are going to have to pay for upside.
3. Alex Boone [SF] 28 5 years 31 million/16 guaranteed [Roger Saffold]
-At 6'8" 300lbs I am not sure how he plays OG, but he is good at it and can play OT in a pinch. He uses his length well to make up for being a leaner player on the inside.
Young and Intriguing
1. Ronald Leary [Dallas] 26 3 years 6.5 million/3 guaranteed [Paul Fanaika]
2. Alvin Bailey [Seattle] 24 2 years 3.3 million/1 guaranteed [John Jerry]
3. Jeff Allen [KC] 25 3 years 6.5 million/3 guaranteed [Paul Fanaika]
Stop Gaps
1. Ted Larsen [Arizona] 28
2. Ramon Foster [Pittsburgh] 29
