Thread: Marinelli Pleased With New Dline Additions...

Paea, Okoye try to fit in on Bears' defensive line

Marinelli likes candidates on the interior

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Stephen Paea (92) works against Mario Addison (78). (Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images / August 6, 2011)




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By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter 8:05 p.m. CDT, August 7, 2011


BOURBONNAIS — Without hesitation, Bears rookie defensive lineman Stephen Paea rattled off the impressive weightlifting numbers he posted prior to entering the NFL.

"My max bench? A little bit over 500 pounds," he said with a smile, trying not to brag. "And 49 (bench) reps at the combine."

Maybe the 6-foot-1, 303-pound Paea can strong-arm his way into significant playing time this season.

The second-round pick from Oregon State is one of two newcomers to the interior of the defensive line, joining Amobi Okoye. Both have already made strong impressions, although Paea missed Sunday's practice with a right knee injury.

"Quickness, and they're tough," defensive line coach Mike Phair said. "Those are the two things that jump out. That's what I really like about them."

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's plan for Paea involves bringing him along gradually at both the nose tackle and under tackle spots, with nose tackle to start. Paea hasn't looked the least bit lost and has gotten a few good pushes against the offensive line.

"I'm a rookie, so I don't know which spot I'm really good at," Paea said. "Right now, I'm just going to listen to coach Marinelli to figure which spot is going to be more comfortable for me in the future."

The Bears are testing out Okoye as well with hopes the former 10th overall pick of the Texans will be rejuvenated in Chicago. Okoye, wearing the same No. 91 Tommie Harris left behind, could battle Henry Melton for reps at Harris' old spot.

"He's got the movement," Marinelli said of Okoye. "He's played in what was close to our system, in terms of an under tackle. He's got good rush ability. He understands it. But now he's just got to go out and execute. We've got some real nice candidates."

Marinelli is a firm believer in rotating bodies. Nose tackle Anthony Adams and Melton have been the interior starters from the outset of camp, with Matt Toeaina, Paea and Okoye in the rotation.

"Rod (Marinelli) always says, 'If you see a lot in the beginning, you're going to see a little. If you see a little, you're going to do a lot,' " Paea said. "I'm just trying to put the entire puzzle together."

Piece by piece.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23