Chicago Bears free agency: Analyzing the first day

Bobby Massie, Offensive Tackle

The Chicago Bears basically admitted that moving Kyle Long over to right tackle was a mistake. Yes, he made the Pro Bowl again, but that may have been just because of reputation.

Looking at Long play tackle in 2015 was painful at times. He was caught out of position at times, and he looked slow at other times.

To be fair to Long, he was just thrown in there late in training camp last season, so he did not have the proper amount of time to learn the position. Perhaps with some more preparation, he may have been a fine tackle. The truth of the matter at this moment, however, is that he is a better guard than a tackle.

Now Long can move back to his natural position, the position he just dominated. He also has a dependable lineman next to him now. He does not have to worry now about helping his tackle. His tackle will make life easier for him.

Massie was the Arizona Cardinals’ fourth round draft pick in 2012, and had 46 career starts. He is 6-foot-6, 316 pounds, and has played right tackle all his career.

Long knows Massie from their days living in Virginia. He welcomed the addition. “He is big ol’ strong, country, mean–he’s everything you want in an offensive lineman,” Long said. “I couldn’t be happier with the news.”

The Bears may decide to take advantage of Long’s athleticism and move him over to left tackle, but that may end up hurting him. He knows the right side, and he knows the guard slot very well, so make him feel comfortable again and put him in a position where he dominated.

At the very least, teaming Massie and Long really strengthens the right side of the Chicago Bears’ line.

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