Bears pick Vanderbilt O-lineman in draft

The Bears selected Vanderbilt's Chris Williams with their first-round pick (14th overall) in the hope that he can step into the starting spot at left tackle very soon, if not immediately.

"We went into this with our No. 1 need as left tackle in the off-season after we discussed our team at length," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. "We wanted to get a tackle, and obviously if we had our choice, it would be a left tackle."

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Williams received high marks from scouts for his athleticism, and especially his nimble footwork, which may make him the most natural left tackle in the draft, able to protect a right-handed quarterback's blind side. Williams was not rated nearly as highly for his run blocking, where his strength and physical play weren't as impressive as his agility.

After starting the past three season at Vanderbilt, Williams expects to do the same for the Bears.

John Tait has been the Bears' starting left tackle for the past three seasons, but he's 32 and might be more effective moving back to right tackle, where he started from 2002-04.

"I'm assuming that's why they picked me," Williams said when asked if he anticipated being the Bears' starting left tackle immediately. "You don't take someone that high not to play."