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.
Any chance Kyle Long moves from guard to tackle under the new coaching staff?Pete P.Western Springs, IllinoisNew Bears general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox are in the process of leading a thorough evaluation of the team's roster. That includes determining where each player fits best. In terms of Kyle Long, he's been voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two NFL seasons at guard, but he does seem to possess the attributes to play tackle. So we'll just have to wait and see. Asked at the NFL Combine about the possibility of Long moving to tackle, Pace said: "He's very athletic and he's very well-rounded. I think he can play multiple positions on the offensive line. [But] that's ongoing, that fit with him. He has that skill set. [But] we haven't gotten that specific with him yet."
After moving from defensive end to linebacker last season, where will Shea McClellin line up in the Bears' new 3-4 defense?
Ross L.
Highland, Indiana
The plan is for Shea McClellin to play linebacker and not defensive end in the Bears' new 3-4 base defense. But it won't be known until the team actually practices whether McClellin lines up at inside or outside linebacker. Asked about McClellin at the NFL Combine, coach John Fox said: "That's something we've talked about, but I almost can't even say right now if he's going to be an inside or an outside 'backer until we get on the grass and watch him perform."
I'd like to see David Fales get a chance to at least compete for the Bears' backup quarterback position. But without him playing last season, how will the new regime evaluate him?
Bruce T.
Zion, Illinois
Bears general manager Ryan Pace said at the NFL Combine that he will rely on the scouting report he did on quarterback David Fales coming out of San Jose State last year as well as practice tape from all of last season with the Bears. Said Pace: "Going back to the practice tape—not just him but watching one-on-one drills with the receivers and the DBs or the offensive linemen—that's valuable. We have our practice tape and my college evaluation on him."
