During a video interview with ChicagoBears.com, radio analyst and former guard Tom Thayer lauded the Bears for the moves they've made this offseason to upgrade their roster.
Since free agency began March 12, the Bears have signed eight players from other teams: left tackle Jermon Bushrod, tight ends Martellus Bennett and Steve Maneri, defensive end Turk McBride, linebackers D.J. Williams and James Anderson, safety Tom Zbikowski and guard Matt Slauson.
Thayer is especially excited about the addition of Bushrod and Slauson up front.
"I do admire what they did from the offensive line standpoint," Thayer said, "because I think every Bear fan knew at the conclusion of last season if they don't upgrade the play of the offensive line there's no way they can make any headway within this division."
Thayer is also excited about the arrival of Bennett, a talented every-down tight end who's capable of threatening the defense down the middle of the field in the passing game.
"It sure is inviting to come here as a tight end because you know how much [emphasis] is going to be placed on [receiver] Brandon Marshall from the opponent," Thayer said. "That's going to open up that middle territory for a pass-catching tight end, and Bennett is a good choice.
"He's going to come in here and be given the opportunity to explode the tight end position. I think the tight end position has frustrated all Bears fans the last couple years in terms of how many catches and how they helped the offense. I think Bennett comes in here with an opportunity to take a new offense to new heights."
