Bears News: Getting to Know: Houy, Haskins, Lugg, Metz |
When talking about the Bear's biggest weakness, even with the casual fan, the immediate response would be the offensive line. After years of trying to get things right and put in the right personnel to protect Justin Fields, things haven't worked out in the Bear's favor.
However, things do appear to be on the rise, and you saw that based on what Ryan Poles has done in the past two offseasons. Not only has he addressed the offensive line in free agency, but he also addressed in the draft by taking an OT with his first pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Any time you make a move like that, it shows you the importance of the offensive line and how much you value your QB. Along with that, Poles got on the phones immediately after the NFL draft process was over and started scouring the potential free agent fits for his team. Granted, it takes some recruiting to get some of these players to commit, but in total, Chicago will be adding five additional offensive linemen to the team via the undrafted free-agent market.
A focal point for the Pittsburgh Panthers offensive line, Houy has anchored down one of the guard spots for the past several seasons. When you check in at 6-6 and 309 pounds, you can see why, as he was part of an offensive line that had to protect Kenny Pickett a few seasons ago. Houy played in 48 games with 32 starts over five seasons … Limited to eight games and five starts due to injury last year, with all five starts coming at right tackle. 2021 was a different story as he appeared in 13 games with 12 starts—nine at right tackle and three at right guard. Houy was also named to the All-ACC Academic team that year as he is book smart just as much as football smart. The Bears love his size and versatility, and they will look to maximize that in camp.Gabe Houy
Robert Haskins
Moving from guard to tackle is where you will find the next free agent pickup in former USC OT Robert Haskins. The 6-5 297-pounder is vastly undersized to play T in the NFL, so seeing how he translates as a player will be interesting. You do have to like his experience on the field, however, as he accumulated 45 career games and 20 starts during his four years in college.
Before transferring to USC this past year, Haskins played three seasons for the University of Virginia. He was an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2021 while playing most of his games at the left tackle position.
Look for the Bears to use him at both tackle spots in camp to see if he has a fit with this team.
Josh Lugg
Apart from the Univeristy of Northwestern, Notre Dame is the closest Power Five conference to Chicago and one the Bears are very familiar with. Along with being known for producing solid tight ends, the Fighting Irish also have a knack for developing great offensive linemen, and Lugg hopes he is next in line.
There isn't a ton of information out there on Lugg right now, but the Bears will love his work ethic on the field. He comes with a never quit attitude and will give his all on every play.
Should he keep that mindset throughout camp, Lugg will make it hard for the coaches not to add him to the 53-man roster.
Lorenz Metz
One of the more intriguing undrafted pickups is Lorenz Metz, who will call Chicago home. Metz isn't just an ordinary free-agent pickup, as many felt he had fifth or sixth-round potential only to somehow fall undrafted. Chicago will benefit from that and wasted no time calling to get him in the Windy City.
From the first time you see Metz on the field, you immediately notice his sheer size as he stands at 6-9 and weighs 316 pounds. That is a large man to play the tackle position, but his athleticism makes his play even more impressive.
In five seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats, Metz appeared in 43 games and 27 coming as starts. He teamed up with fellow Bearcat and Bears draft pick Tyler Scott to produce one of the more lethal offenses in college.
The thing you love about Metz is the journey he has gone on, as he didn't begin playing football until he was 18 years old. He played some football in Germany and is a chemical technician in Germany. That alone is a story worth following as he is living the ultimate NFL dream.
