Where Will Chris Williams line up?

Chris Williams, the 14th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, is still looking for position to call home.

He’s started at left and right tackle, and also at left guard. Once again, Bears coach Lovie Smith would like to lock him into a position this offseason but that didn’t quite work out last year.

Now, it appears the Bears are going to play it by ear, based on what moves they make this offseason.

“Chris has moved [all] over the field so much,” Smith said. “So for us, one of the offseason projects is just really working and trying to figure out exactly where to play him and try to get him there and see where he can go from there.”

So, I asked, how did Williams play at guard in 2010?

“I’m not trying to run away from the question, but he made progress. We liked some of the things he was able to do,” Smith said. “Chris would be the first one to tell you there were other times when the play wasn’t as good as it needed to be.

“But when you move like that in mid season it’s still hard. I’m going to say he did some good things last year. I’m anxious to see Chris go through an entire season healthy and hopefully have him in the same spot. That’s the plan. But we don’t know for sure what the group will look like.”

The current linemen, at least, do have some position flexibility. Frank Omiyale has played guard and tackle, and Roberto Garza can play guard or center. Meanwhile, the Bears believe J’Marcus Webb can play left or right tackle.

Smith added that’s one of the “exciting” parts of the offseason.

“Putting those pieces together to try to get that best group,” he said.

Naturally, the Bears will have an opportunity to add some talent to the offensive line via the draft and free agency.