Tony Wise has a secret. But the Bears assistant head coach is too affable to keep from spilling the exciting news that Chicago’s version of Nate Newton could be coming soon.
Unknown Octus Polk is the name that Wise whisperingly compares to the Dallas Cowboys’ massive Pro Bowler, then worries how presumptuous it sounds to thus promote the inexperienced guard, an undrafted free agent.
But with the changes the Bears’ offensive line has gone through during free agency, there will be opportunities for young players on a unit that was a team strength in 1995. Starting guard Jay Leeuwenburg and backup tackle Troy Auzenne signed with Indianapolis. Last year’s starting center, Jerry Fontenot, is unsigned, and the Bears signed Arizona center Ed Cunningham.
Polk spent last season out of sight on the Bears’ practice squad, most noticed on the occasions he slept in his locker at lunch time. Don’t get the idea Polk has missed many lunches, however.
“I don’t want to put that pressure on him and so I’m cautious saying it, but people around here like Octus (pronounced Otis) so much, he’s fitting in so well, Newton’s in the back of everyone’s mind when they think of his potential,” said Wise, who coached Newton in Dallas and remembers when he was an unknown free-agent signing in 1986 after two years in the USFL.
The main reason for comparison is size. Wise remembers Newton playing at 365 to 370 pounds. Polk weighed in last season at 335 to 340, though Wise expects that weight to be increased when Polk reports for drills next summer.
“Being home with mother makes a difference,” Wise said. “But there is nothing wrong with being a big man in football. It does not mean a guy is a big fat slob because he has big calves, big shoulders.”
Polk and Evan Pilgrim are suddenly the unexplored depth behind expected right guard starter Todd Burger, who takes over for Leeuwenburg. Marcus Spears, formerly a guard prospect, shifts to tackle in hopes he will replace Auzenne.
“It’s a huge year for Spears,” Wise said of a second-round draft choice from 1994 who hasn’t made an impact. “He’s suited for anything so he should be able to compete for the swing job at left tackle. But while we’ve seen a future for Polk and Pilgrim, we haven’t felt the same of Marcus.”
Wise said Fontenot might not be out of the picture, as thought when the Bears signed Cunningham. But other sources indicate Fontenot is more likely to sign with either New Orleans, Philadelphia or St. Louis. The Bears don’t want to meet his asking price of $1.5 million.
Even if the Bears start Cunningham, Wise thinks the line has improved. Privately, the Bears believe Leeuwenburg’s loss isn’t a major factor and that the position can be improved by Burger.
The line’s nucleus is left tackle Todd Perry and tackles Andy Heck and James Williams. Wise sees reasons why Heck and Williams, both potential Pro Bowl material, should be better.
“James had off-season knee surgery last year and it affected him in training camp, while Andy improved his run blocking last season,” he said.
What could truly make the line look better than last year? A healthy Raymont Harris at fullback and a steadier Rashaan Salaam at running back.
