Johan

Asiata

“Futures” signees are typically practice bodies for the offseason. Malast, a 2009 undrafted free agent from Rutgers, did look pretty good last preseason.

The undrafted free agent out of UNLV has moved ahead of Lance Louis, but it will be interesting to see what happens in training camp. Center Olin Kreutz (heel) will return, pushing veteran Josh Beekman back out to guard. It’s hard to envision vast improvement with this group.

Williams is an H-back type with soft hands, and may be in a direct battle with Harvey Unga to make the 2011 roster. Horn drew interest from other teams late in the season, so the Bears had to increase his practice squad pay and promise him a futures deal. OL coach Mike Tice likes his potential at 6-foot-7.

Shaffer will likely be relegated to a swing role. Johan Asiata, a second-year undrafted free agent out of UNLV, took the bulk of the first-team snaps on Wednesday. Lance Louis and veteran Josh Beekman are in the mix as well. The Bears can’t expect dramatic improvement up front this year.

It’s possible Asiata could return as a member of the team’s practice squad. The Bears are looking for some more versatility from their backup linemen, and Asiata is really only limited to guard.

Asiata’s primary competition is Josh Beekman, but the Bears have always preferred him in a swing-interior backup role. Listed at 6-foot-4, 300, Asiata was a proficient pass protector at UNLV, playing mostly right tackle. At left guard in Chicago, his primary responsibility will be keeping Jay Cutler upright.