Bears: Kyle Long has skill set to switch to tackle

INDIANAPOLIS — The Bears are spending part of the NFL Scouting Combine interviewing college offensive linemen, but they might have their next star tackle already on their roster.

Right guard Kyle Long has made the Pro Bowl in both his seasons in the NFL. Would the Bears risk muddying a good thing by moving him to tackle? They’re considering it.

“He’s very athletic and he’s very well-rounded,” Bears GM Ryan Pace said Wednesday. “I think he can play multiple positions on the offensive line.

“Again, that’s ongoing, too — that fit, with him.”

Pace said Long “has that skill set” to move to tackle, but the Bears haven’t talked about a move with him yet.

“We haven’t gotten that specific with him yet,” he said.

Coach John Fox said players on his team have a “fresh slate” with his new staff, and that any decisions to move positions would be made “once we get a chance to watch them play and perform.”

Pro Football Focus gave both the Bears’ starting tackles disappointing grades; among those who played at least 60 percent of their teams’ snaps, Bushrod was ranked No. 39 at his position and Jordan Mills No. 41.

Pace was part of the Saints’ brain trust that let Bushrod, a left tackle, leave to sign with the Bears two seasons ago.

Marc Trestman’s coaching staff toyed with the idea of moving right tackle Mills to guard last year, indicating the team didn’t think he was entrenched at his spot.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com

Twitter: @patrickfinley