Colombo Let Go

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 14, 2005 5:07PM

When the Bears drafted Offensive Tackle Marc Colombo in the first round of the 2002 draft, many thought he'd become a key component of a revamped o-line. However, on Tuesday the Bears released Colombo, ending his Chicago career having played in only 18 games in 3+ season.

His path from future star to washout began when the 6'8" 325 pound lineman dislocated his left knee during his rookie season in a Monday Night game against the Rams. Initially expected to be ready for training camp in 2003, he missed the entire season rehabbing his knee. And much of last season. He finally returned to the field mid-season, playing in the remaining 8 games and starting the last two. While blocking a critical game-winning field goal attempt in his first game back, Colombo was a shadow of the player he was when drafted. Unable to crack the starting lineup this season, he became expendable when the Bears decided to sign the more versitile John St. Clair who was cut by the Dolphins this week following an unsuccessful attempt to move him from tackle to guard.

With Colombo's departure, that now makes 6 of the Bears' last 9 first round draft picks absolute busts. Maybe they should just begin picking players by throwing darts...