Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I'd like to applaud the Bears for solidifying their left tackle position by signing Jermon Bushrod. Does that mean that last year's starter, J'Marcus Webb, will move over to right tackle?
Kevin A.
Wilmington N.C.
Yes, J'Marcus Webb will move to right tackle, where he'll compete for the starting job with Gabe Carimi and possibly Jonathan Scott, assuming Scott re-signs with the Bears. In 2010, Webb started the final 12 games of his rookie season at right tackle, helping the Bears win the NFC North and reach the NFC Championship Game. Carimi could also be in the mix at right guard. He lost his right tackle position last year to Jonathan Scott and then performed fairly well at right guard after Lance Louis sustained a season-ending knee injury. Here's what general manager Phil Emery said about Carimi on Wednesday: "He will have opportunities at both tackle and guard and we'll see what is the best fit for Gabe. I am excited to see how he comes back and competes at that [right tackle] spot so that we can find the best five to put together."
Do you think that the Bears will try to trade down in the first round of the draft to get more picks?
Trevor L.
Hammond, Indiana
I think that's a definite possibility. General manager Phil Emery told reporters Wednesday that addressing two key needs in free agency by signing left tackle Jermon Bushrod and tight end Martellus Bennett will give the Bears the flexibility in the draft to trade down from the 20th spot in the first round. Said Emery: "To put it bluntly, we're open for business. If teams want to talk to us about trading back, we're all ears." Emery later explained that the Bears aren't going to pass up a good player at No. 20 who they feel could make an immediate impact, but they're also "very open" to moving down. The Bears presently have only five picks, having traded away their selections in the third and seventh rounds to obtain receiver Brandon Marshall from the Dolphins and defensive tackle Brian Price from the Buccaneers last year, respectively.
How many Bears players started all 16 games last season?
Ray L.
Champaign, Illinois
Seven Bears started all 16 games in 2012: Linebacker Lance Briggs, center Roberto Garza, receiver Brandon Marshall, defensive end Julius Peppers, cornerback Charles Tillman, tackle J'Marcus Webb and safety Major Wright. Interestingly, three of the seven (Marshall, Peppers and Tillman) were voted to the Pro Bowl and a fourth (Briggs) probably deserved to be selected as well.
