Thread: Melton looks to dominate this season

Melton looks to dominate this season
Bears defensive tackle believes he can after impressive 2011

By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

7:47 p.m. CDT, June 13, 2012
After Thursday's final minicamp practice the Bears will go on break with less than six weeks before the start of training camp.

Henry Melton just might take one of those weeks off.

Otherwise, the defensive tackle plans to be working on playing full time after leading the team's tackles in snaps last season, taking 57.5 percent of them. The way the defense rotates linemen, his goal hardly is realistic. But if there is a thin spot on the roster, it's where he plays.

"I might take a week off just to unload," he said. "You do get fatigued but I don't want there to be any reason for me to come off the field. I'll be working to get in tip-top shape."

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli believes Melton is just about there. He weighs 295 pounds and thinks he's ready for a real jump coming to improve on a breakout seven-sack year. Melton, 25, captured the under tackle position in 2011, breaking out with two sacks and six quarterback pressures in the season opener against the Falcons. He admitted he was still "raw" at the position as a converted running back from Texas who was drafted as an end.

Marinelli said playing in space didn't bring out the best in Melton at end as he had a tendency to "look around." But he quickly showed the pad level and leverage necessary to be effective inside. The switch was in the works at the start of his rookie season in 2009 before he was placed on injured reserve with a minor ankle injury. His assignment was to bulk up for the move inside and he did that.

He felt his way through 2010 and then emerged last year as a player who could be a "core defender" for seasons to come. That's if he can take the step to the next level.

"I can definitely improve off last year," Melton said. "That is all I came out here to do — get better and become a dominant force in the league."

He needs to become more consistent against the run and Marinelli thinks that can be with the work he has put in. Melton has no hesitation on third down and in pass-rushing situations, but his footwork can be off just slightly in stopping the run. It has been an emphasis this offseason.

"This is why he has a chance to continue to really grow," Marinelli said. "A lot of it we can clean up. It was footwork where he would step and just not be sure. It was the run/pass key. (Now) he is seeing it and he's feeling it."

Earlier in organized team activities, Melton got a chance to line up at fullback, something the Bears could utilize. He excelled in short-yardage situations in college.

"We might. Who knows?" he said. "I ran the wrong way last time. Hopefully, they give me another shot."

Ultimately, he's more interested in making plays in the defensive backfield. He's entering a contract year and will earn $565,000. General manager Phil Emery could target Melton as a player to extend this season. Otherwise, he could be a gem in free agency or a candidate for the franchise tag. But that is a long way off.

"I'm going to keep my mind off it and just work," Melton said. "A contract is something you can't think about. You can't let it get to you. I'd like to stay here."



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