Bears need O-line upgrades

Whether they care to admit it or not, the Bears need better play at left tackle if they expect better performances from quarterback Jay Cutler.

Bears quarterbacks have been sacked 105 times in the past two seasons, and left tackle J’Marcus Webb was beaten for 12 of those sacks last season. There’s a good chance a left tackle will be seriously considered in the first or second round later this week.

USC’s Matt Kalil will be long gone by the time they make their first pick at 19, but Iowa’s Riley Reiff and Georgia’s C Cordy Glenn could be available. The Bears’ second-round pick is 50th overall, and Stanford’s Jonathan Martin, Mississippi’s Bobby Massie and Illinois’ Jeff Allen are all considered top 50 picks.

Every position on the line could be upgraded with the exception of right tackle, which should be a strength, as long as last year’s No. 1 pick, Gabe Carimi, is fully recovered from a dislocated knee cap that sidelined him after two games.

The Bears are solid at guard with Roberto Garza, bit his knees aren’t what they were before 11 years in the NFL trenches.

There are a handful of guards on the roster who are capable, but none who are outstanding. Edwin Williams started the final seven games last season at left guard after Chris Williams started the first nine before suffering a dislocated wrist. Former Seahawk Chris Spencer, a center for most of his previous six seasons, started 14 games at right guard.

Last year’s starting right tackle, Lance Louis is likely to move back inside to guard with the healthy return of Carimi.