With so many new players on the roster, let's take the slow period before training camp starts to get to know the new guys. Today, we look at Matt Slauson, one of the new offensive lineman signed this year.
Who is he? Matt Slauson, a guard
Where did he go to school? Nebraska, where he was a teammate to Bears nemesis Ndamukong Suh. When Suh was coming under fire for dirty play, Slauson, then a New York Jet, agreed with Suh's detractors.
"Somebody needs to get him under control, because he's trying to hurt people," Slauson said in 2011. "It's one thing to be an incredibly physical player and a tenacious player, but it's another thing to set out to end that guy's career."
Where did he play before Chicago? The New York Jets. The hapless, in-fighting, mess of a team New York Jets. He played there for four seasons, starting all 16 games in the last three, though he did split time with Vladimir Ducasse last season.
What will he bring to the Bears? At 6-foot-5, he brings considerable size to the right guard position. Phil Emery praised his his physicality and football smarts when Slauson was signed as a free agent.
What are his downsides? He might be too big as a guard. He will need to work on technique to ensure he is not blocking Jay Cutler's field of vision.
Who is he replacing? Lance Louis, who was the best-performing Bear on the offensive line last season. Louis tore his ACL near the end of the season, and then departed for the Miami Dolphins.
What number will he wear? 68, which has barely been used in Bears' history.
Anything else to know about him? He was born in Sweet Home, Ore., which may beat Jay Cutler's hometown of Santa Claus, Ind., as the best hometown name on the Bears.
