Frank "the Tank" Omiyale: What Does He do for the Bears' Offensive Line?

The Bears recently signed a little known offensive lineman named Frank Omiyale (OH-mee-YEL).

So far Frank "the Tank" Omiyale's highlights of his career have been these two things:

1) On October 5, 2008, Omiyale made his first NFL regular season start, replacing the injured left tackle Jordan Gross who was out with a concussion.

2) Omiyale signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Chicago Bears on February 27, 2009.

Omiyale was asked why he chose Da Bears:

“Because it’s the Bears. I’ve heard a lot about the tradition here. From talking to other players around the league, I know it’s a family-oriented organization, so that’s what really made it attractive.”

Omiyale sounds like a Chicago Bear to me.

With the retirement of John Tait and John St. Clair maybe not returning, I have come up with the Bears starters at the o-line:

LT- Chris Williams (The Bears' 14th overall in last year's draft, was injured for most of the season).

LG- Josh Beekman (He started all 16 games for the Bears last season and did a solid job, some say he might take over at center once Olin Kreutz retires).

C- Olin Kreutz (The soon to be 32 year old, struggled at times last season, but still can be the pro bowl player he was three seasons ago).

RG- Roberto Garza (31 year old lineman was shaky at times through last season, and Bears' GM Jerry Angelo has said Frank Omiyale could compete with Garza at RG if John St. Clair doesn't resign).

RT- Frank Omiyale (From what you read above, Omiyale is very inexperienced, but many Panthers players have said he was overshadowed by Pro Bowler Jordan Gross).

Backups:

G- Dan Buenning a reserve lineman for the Bears last season could be in the mix with Garza for the starting RG job.

G- Terrence Metcalf- was suspended for four games last season and has struggled at times when he was able to start.

LS- Patrick Mannelly- Strictly a long snapper, but is listed at center.

T- Cody Balogh- spent all last season on the practice squad last season.

G- Tyler Reed- also spent all last season on the practice squad.

quotes from chicagosuntimes.com