OT Compton can see opportunity with Bears
After talking with the 49ers, Lions and Falcons ( his former team), offensive tackle Tom Compton chose the Bears with one thing in mind.
‘‘ Just a chance to compete,’’ he said Monday. ‘‘ That was kind of a big thing, coming out here. All I really want is just a chance to show I can play and hopefully bring some wins to the Bears.’’
Compton hasn’t been told much about his role, which at first figures to be playing behind left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and right tackle Bobby Massie. The latter received his roster bonus Saturday, a sign the Bears plan to rely on him this season.
‘‘ I don’t know any specifics at this point,’’ said Compton, a sixthround draft pick in 2012. ‘‘ I know they’ll try to plug me in wherever and see where I kind of fit in here. So I’m kind of excited to see what’ll happen there.’’
Compton will provide better insurance than the Bears took into training camp last season, when they waited until mid- August to sign swing tackle Mike Adams. Adams started one game before going on injured reserve in December with a back injury.
The 6- 5, 314- pound Compton, who will turn 28 in May, started nine times for the Redskins in 2014 and twice in 2015. He played in 16 games for the NFC champion Falcons last season but didn’t start.
Offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn assured Compton the Bears’ offense, with its emphasis on zone blocking and play- action, will be similar to the Kyle Shanahanstyle schemes he played in with the Redskins and Falcons.
Appropriately, Compton said his athleticism is his greatest strength.
‘‘ I feel like I play pretty well in space,’’ he said. ‘‘ That’s definitely a big reason why I’m still around, I guess.’’
Compton seemed to know more about his future teammates on the offensive line than about new quarterback Mike Glennon, for whom he’ll be blocking.
‘‘ It’s real exciting to be able to play with these guys,’’ he said. ‘‘ We’ve got a great line here, a lot of well- known guys, Pro Bowl guys. So it’s going to be a great experience.’’