Oregon Ducks

Chicago Bears C Hroniss Grasu expected to compete for starting job

Published Jul. 1, 2015 10:10 a.m. ET

foxsports

After a five-win season in 2014, the Chicago Bears need their young talent to step up as soon as possible. That's why, in the first two rounds of this spring's draft, they picked two NFL-ready contributors in wide receiver Kevin White and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.

The Bears also selected a starting-caliber center in third-rounder Hroniss Grasu.

Grasu won't be handed the starting job, but Bears senior writer Larry Mayer expects the rookie to compete with Will Montgomery, a 32-year-old veteran who was acquired in free agency this spring.

"The Bears were pleased with how rookie center Hroniss Grasu progressed in the classroom and on the field throughout the offseason program," Mayer wrote. "He’s an intelligent player whose character is off the charts, and that was evident to me in dealing with him throughout the past few months. Grasu certainly seems to possess all the attributes, potential and intangibles to compete for a starting position this summer in training camp and the preseason. Regardless of whether he earns the job as a rookie, I believe that he’s capable of anchoring the offensive line for many years to come."

Grasu is an Oregon product who started all 52 games of his collegiate career. He could end up anchoring the Bears offensive line sooner rather than later.

(h/t Chicago Bears)

Photo Credit: Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports