Thaddeus

Gibson

The Bears are transitioning Gibson back to defensive end, where he played in college before stints on the practice squads of 3-4 teams like San Francisco and Pittsburgh. He’ll provide depth behind Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije.

Gibson played in each of Chicago’s first three preseason games and failed to register a statistic. He had been buried on the Bears’ defensive end depth chart.

They’re moving forward with Kyle Wilber and George Selvie behind starters DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer.

Gibson was timed at 4.79 and 4.82 during last month’s Combine. OSU clearly has a fast track, but Gibson’s athleticism isn’t in question. The college end will most likely convert to strong-side linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the pros.

Suh bettered Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy (23). Though Suh was much more productive in college, McCoy is considered the superior pass rusher. Other notable bench press totals: Michigan DE Brandon Graham (31), Ohio State DE/OLB Thaddeus Gibson (32), and USC DE Everson Griffen (32). Alabama NT Terrence Cody and Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan decided not to lift.

Gibson played with his hand in the ground at OSU, but at 6'2/240 is destined for outside linebacker in a 3-4 at this level. A two-year starter, Gibson posted just four sacks as a junior, though he did lead the team with 13 tackles for loss. Gibson has terrific athleticism and will test well, but it’s always hard to love a prospect that doesn’t have outstanding production.

Similar to second-rounder Jason Worilds, Gibson played with his hand on the ground in college but has the athleticism to make the switch to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He’ll need to bulk up while spending the next couple of years developing on special teams with the Steelers. We still can’t figure out why Pittsburgh keeps passing up cornerbacks.

Gibson lost his roster spot because the Steelers had to add a defensive lineman with Aaron Smith (tricpes) out. Keeping Gibson would have been a luxury considering how deep the Steelers are at linebacker.

Gibson, who ill-advisedly left Ohio State after his junior year, was a fourth-round pick in April. He contributed nothing on special teams or defense in Pittsburgh and will be viewed by the 49ers as a long-term project.

The No. 116 overall pick in the 2010 draft, Gibson was inactive for the Steelers’ first six games. Though the Steelers are deep at linebacker, most fourth-round picks don’t get cut the same year they were drafted. Gibson should get a look from another team.