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Chandler

Chandler was signed as an undrafted free agent after starting five games for UCLA last year. He moved to defensive line late in his college career after dreams of becoming the next Kellen Winslow were dashed.

Chandler (6-foot-5, 290) went to UCLA as an offensive lineman/tight end before switching to defense as a junior. He appeared in ten games for the Panthers last season, making six tackles. After Carolina beefed up its defensive line in the draft, Chandler is trying to find a way to make the team.

Once viewed as an ascending player in the Panthers’ organization, Chandler missed all of 2015 following knee and toe surgeries. Getting a deal with the Lions would be quite the birthday gift for Chandler, who turns 27 on Wednesday.

Beset by injuries, it appears Chandler is hanging up his cleats at age 27. Chandler made 19 starts in his brief NFL career, all with the Panthers.

It’s another worthwhile pickup for Bears GM Ryan Pace, who’s gotten off to a fast start since replacing Phil Emery two winters ago. 27-year-old Chandler is well regarded amongst media offensive line evaluators and offers 19 games of starting experience with the ability to handle both guard and tackle. Chicago’s biggest weakness is left tackle, where Charles Leno presently resides.

Chandler started the first 11 games before going on I.R. with a torn meniscus. After an impressive finish to the 2013 year, Chandler got destroyed both as a pass blocker and run blocker in 2014. He figures to compete with Jonathan Martin and Mike Remmers for the Panthers’ starting right-tackle job.

A college tight end-turned-defensive tackle-turned-NFL offensive lineman, Chandler is the better athlete and might profile better on the left side. He played 590 snaps on offense last season, working at both tackle spots and right guard. Chandler’s game needs to be tuned and refined, but he has good hands and feet. It may be best to continue to keep Bell on the right side.

A converted defensive tackle, 25-year-old Chandler made eight 2013 starts, six at guard and two at right tackle. He’s now battling Byron Bell to start on Cam Newton’s blind side. “He’s mentally equipped to solve problems, and that’s what you have to do to play offensive tackle in this league,” said Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowler who’s now the OL coach at Azusa Pacific University. “He’s going to be a good offensive lineman in the National Football League for a very long time.”

Chandler was entering the final year of his entry-level UDFA rookie deal. He was under team control for two more seasons, but the Panthers have high hopes for the former tight end-turned-defensive tackle-turned-offensive lineman. Chandler has been splitting reps with Byron Bell both at left and right tackle and is fully expected to man one of the positions this season. He played both tackles spots and right guard in 2013. Carolina wants to continue to develop him.

Chandler went to UCLA as a tight end before switching to defensive line late in his collegiate career. The Panthers then moved him to offensive line ahead of last season. Chandler ended up playing 590 offensive snaps at left tackle, right tackle, and right guard in 2013. He got destroyed in pass protection but proved to be a decent run blocker. Veteran Garry Williams will compete with Chandler.