Hub's training camp preview: With Hicks and Nichols gone, Bears need to build up D-line

7th in a series

The interior defensive line has been a strength of the Bears in recent seasons, but it is now a pedestrian group at best with the free-agent departures of Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols.

General manager Ryan Poles tried to make his first big move by addressing the three-technique position, crucial to head coach Matt Eberflus' defense, but the failed Larry Ogunjobi physical left him with a second choice at best in Justin Jones.

Justin Jones

Jones is an intriguing prospect for the three-technique with nice size and athleticism, but is more strong than quick. He has been a productive starter when healthy for the Chargers the last three seasons but really more as an anchor tackle than a three. Jones does not push the pocket nor disrupt traffic in the backfield as much as you'd like.

Biggest plus: He has the traits to be a disrupter if he grasps the scheme.

Biggest concern: He's never played the style Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams will ask him to.

Angelo Blackson

A seven-year veteran, Blackson has always been more of a backup, but he will get first crack at the starting nose spot in the Bears' Tampa 2. He has been a productive player that flashed often during his first year in Chicago.

Biggest plus: He is a true two-gap run stuffer and can pressure the quarterback.

Biggest concern: He's never been asked to lead a front. With Robert Quinn's status uncertain, that may be the job.

Khyiris Tonga

Tonga was intriguing when the Bears drafted him in the seventh round last year. He logged significant, productive minutes as a rookie while getting better each week.

At 6-foot-3, 325 pounds, he's a natural 30-front nose tackle or 40-front anchor that easily fills two gaps, will not get run over, appears to play with attitude and is a solid young man in the locker room.

Biggest plus: He will command double teams in obvious running situations.

Biggest concern: He's more a brute than an athlete and will struggle to recover if he doesn't win right off the snap.

Mario Edwards Jr.

Edwards Jr. has a defensive end's body but has played his best football as an interior pass rusher and gap crasher, exactly what you're looking for in a three-technique. While it's not his specialty, he is not a liability against the run.

Biggest plus: Edwards Jr. is a legit NFL pass rusher.

Biggest concern: Mental lapses and loss of focus have posed problems for him in the past both on and off the field.

Auzoyah Alufohai

Alufohai has a near perfect NFL body (6-4, 320) and will get a shot at playing anchor tackle, but he hasn't shown much other than great size. He played his college ball at West Georgia College but didn't even dominate there and has spent the last two seasons on the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers and Bears practice squads.

Biggest plus: A great NFL body.

Biggest concern: There's no there, there.

Jean Delance

Delance is an offensive tackle out of Florida the Bears signed as an undrafted rookie free agent to take a shot at defensive tackle.

Biggest plus: Impressive body, huge wingspan and nice athleticism for 6-4, 303.

Biggest concern: He's a lottery ticket who's never played the position.

Micah Dew-Treadway

Went to Notre Dame before transferring to Minnesota and never made a huge impact at either school, but Poles' group apparently sees something most others haven't yet.

The skinny

Where they fit in NFL: If Jones is a natural three-technique and he and Edwards Jr. form an effective tag team, the tackle position will probably be about league-average.

Potential: In the Tampa 2, it's all about the three-technique. With Jones and Edwards Jr. both getting their first shots at it, they have the traits to be pretty good.

Surprises: At least one of Alufohai, Delance or Dew-Treadway can actually play and make the team.

Disappointments: Neither Jones or Edwards Jr. make enough plays and this becomes a trouble spot all season.

Outcome: Jones, Blackson, Tonga and Edwards Jr. will all make it; don't see any of the kids even getting practice squad shots.