Bears hold private workout for Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh
By Sean Jensen sjensen@suntimes.com April 22, 2013 8:14PM
In these handout photos released by the NFL and taken in February 2012, top NFL Draft prospects are shown at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. They are, top row from left: Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M; Lane Johnson, Oklahoma; Jarvis Jones, Georgia; Dee Milliner, Alabama; Barkevious Mingo, LSU and Alec Ogletree, Georgia. Bottom row from left are Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee; Justin Pugh, Syracuse; Eric Reid, LSU; Xavier Rhodes, Florida St.; Sheldon Richardson, Missouri and Geno Smith, West Virginia. (AP Photo/NFL, Ben Liebenberg) MAGS OUT. NO SALES
Updated: April 22, 2013 8:18PM
Despite free-agent additions to the offensive line, the Bears continue to take a closer look at top draftable players, putting Justin Pugh through a private workout at Syracuse this weekend, according to a source.
Pugh has primarily started as a left tackle at Syracuse, but he’s also played at guard, and he’s worked out for some NFL teams as a center.
Pugh’s versatility is one of his greatest assets, something that general manager Phil Emery has placed a high value on during his tenure with the Bears.
After Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, Pugh is considered by some in the next tier of offensive tackles along with Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson, Alabama’s D.J. Fluker and Florida State’s Menelik Watson.
The Bears have the 20th overall pick, but they may be looking to trade down and pick up an extra pick. If that happens, Pugh could be a serious consideration lower in the first round.
Pugh is 6 foot 4, 307 pounds, he’s heralded for his fluid movement and his athleticism. Some question his arm length (32 inches), which is why some clubs may consider him as a guard.
“Well it’s actually crazy,” Pugh said at the NFL Combine about his short arms. “I played three years never knowing I had short arms. It didn’t really hurt me then.
“I didn’t know I had short arms until I got to the Senior Bowl.”
