In 2011, the previous regime in Chicago liked Gabe Carimi enough to pick him in the first round of the NFL draft. In 2013, the current regime in Chicago may not even like Carimi enough to give him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Carimi is in the midst of a competition for a roster spot.
Carimi can play both guard and tackle, which would seem to improve his chances of making the roster, but a closer look at the line raises the question of where Carimi would fit: Jermon Bushrod is set as the starter at left tackle, and right tackle will be a competition between J’Marcus Webb and Jonathan Scott, with the loser between those two probably making the roster as a backup. The recently signed Matt Slauson and this year’s first-round draft pick, Kyle Long, will likely start at guard. That might leave Carimi battling to be the third guard on the 53-man roster, and he could easily lose that job to Edwin Williams because Williams has experience at center and could step in if starter Roberto Garza got hurt.
Carimi began his rookie season as the Bears’ starting right tackle, but he played in only two games in 2011 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. In 2012 Carimi played in all 16 games, starting 14, but he didn’t play particularly well: He was benched in November and only returned to the field when the Bears lost two guards to injuries.
So if Carimi doesn’t have a strong camp, he could be out of a job.