Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
After adding some bulk to their defensive line in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears decided to do the same to their offensive line with the 71st overall pick by selecting Oregon center Hroniss Grasu. Once again, general manager Ryan Pace addressed a position that needed tending to, and did so by selecting one of the best players at their respective position in this year’s draft.
Grasu is surprisingly athletic for someone who is 6-foot-3, 297 pounds. In addition, he displays toughness, showing his ability to play through injuries.
This pick will greatly help a Bears offensive line that has only one center on the depth chart. During the offseason, Pace and the rest of the organization decided to part ways with long-time veteran center Roberto Garza. Following Garza’s departure, head coach John Fox brought in Will Montgomery, who played center for Fox while with the Denver Broncos. Montgomery could more than likely be the favorite to be the starter for the Bears in 2015, but the 32-year-old just might be a temporary option. Grasu just might benefit from playing behind such a seasoned veteran before claiming the starting spot on the O-line.
This addition also reunites Grasu with his college teammate, and Pro Bowler, Kyle Long. They both played together in Eugene, OR, and the familiarity with each other could work in the Bears’ favor. Furthermore, if Grasu is anything like Long, Chicago could be looking at two Pro Bowlers on their offensive line in a year or two.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller.
