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Bears O-line must carry on without Garza

Next season will mark the first time in 11 years that Roberto Garza isn't a component of the Bears' offensive line.

The 36-year-old Garza has been replaced by ex-Bronco Will Montgomery, who is four years younger and brings more athleticism to the position - though he has huge shoes to fill in the leadership department.

As for the other O-line positions, the Bears should be in excellent shape at guard, assuming Matt Slauson reverts to form on the left side after playing just five games in 2014 because of a sprained ankle and then a season-ending torn chest muscle. At right guard, Kyle Long has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two seasons and played so well there has been speculation that he could be shifted to the more-demanding left tackle spot at some point.

For now, Jermon Bushrod is still the left tackle and is solid but has not played up to his Pro Bowl form of 2011 and '12 since joining the Bears before the 2013 season. Right tackle Jordan Mills will have to play better to hold on to his spot after starting 29 games in his first two seasons.

The Bears' O-line depth was on display during an injury-plagued season that saw four starters at left guard and all five opening-day starters miss at least one game.

In his first year in the NFL after emigrating from the Canadian Football League, Michael Ola showed tremendous versatility starting at least one game at every position except center. If he's given the benefit of focusing on one position, Ola could easily become a quality starter.

Top backups Eben Britton and Brian de la Puente are unrestricted free agents who remain on the market. But two rookies were forced into the lineup and gained valuable experience.

Last year's seventh-round draft choice, Charles Leno Jr., started one game when the Bears opened with six offensive linemen. He's still a project who needs to get stronger, but he started 39 games at Boise State.

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