Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft
Brockermeyer loss voided
Bears add OT Colombo in place of departed free agent
By Nolan Nawrocki, Associate editor of special projects
April 20, 2002
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| With the recent release of OT Blake Brockermeyer and OT James "Big
Cat" Williams turning 34, the Bears definitely needed to add depth on the offensive
line. They did so by drafting Boston College OT Marc Colombo, who has proven he can handle
playing either tackle position. He started every game at right tackle in 2000 and made the
switch to the left side three games into the 2001 season. Like Brockermeyer, Colombo
has long arms, a strong upper body and keeps defenders off his body. He looked lanky at
the NFL Scouting Combine, but he has grown stronger each year and has a good frame to
develop. The Bears, who have expressed an interest in "character" players, no
doubt were enticed by Colombo’s work ethic and intangibles. Colombo has a lot of
potential, but he will need a year to develop behind last year’s third-round pick
Bernard Robertson.
The Bears’ offensive line was one of the best in the league last year, allowing
the fewest sacks in the league and opening wide holes for RB Anthony Thomas. In fact, it
allowed the Bears’ less-than-mobile quarterbacks to be sacked just 17 times in 528
passing attempts. Brockermeyer was a huge reason for that success. The Bears would like to
re-sign him, but he is drawing serious interest from other teams.
Colombo is a good player, but he is a big dropoff from Texas OT Mike Williams and Miami
(Fla.) OT Bryant McKinnie and will not be able to contribute immediately. He will need a
year to strengthen his skinny lower body, which will give him a chance to handle hard,
bull-rushers coming off the edge.
I think Auburn OT Kendall Simmons, who was selected one pick later at No. 30, will be
more ready to contribute right away. Although undersized, he has the heart of a lion and
shut down North Carolina DT Julius Peppers last season. But Simmons may be best suited as
a guard and doesn’t have the physical potential that Colombo brings. |
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