James

Brown

We’d take a shot at Kiper here if NFL Network’s Mike Mayock wasn’t similarly high on Brown. Mayock at one point ranked Brown as a top-five offensive tackle eligible for the draft. A 38-game starter at Troy, Brown was a college left tackle who figures to kick inside to guard at 6-foot-4, 314 with 34 1/2-inch arms.

This would explain why Brown went undrafted. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Brown as his No. 54 overall player, while NFL Network’s Mike Mayock was also high on Brown. In Chicago, Brown will compete with Mansfield Wrotto, among others, for a spot on the 53-man roster.

It’s a position that will ultimately go to first-round pick Kyle Long, but Brown’s presence with the first team suggests he’s still at least in the starting conversation. Coach Marc Trestman described Brown as an “ascending” player. Perhaps when Long locks up right guard, Brown will push LG Matt Slauson.

It’s likely just a veteran courtesy, as rookie Kyle Long remains the favorite to start. Brown could ultimately push Matt Slauson for the left guard job.

J’Marcus Webb, at least for now, has been benched. Mills is a fifth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech. RG James Brown has also been benched, and replaced by first-round pick Kyle Long. It’s a reminder Chicago’s offensive line remains in prove-it mode, despite numerous offseason additions. Starting two rookies on the right would be concerning for Jay Cutler’s front-side protection.

Brown has been running with the first-team offense all spring and summer, and he’s expected to get the start in Friday’s preseason opener against the Panthers. We expect Long to ultimately take control of the position, but Brown is a rising player who could push Matt Slauson at left guard.