It took a little longer than expected, but Gabe Carimi was drafted Thursday night 29th overall by the Chicago Bears.

Projected to go earlier in the first round, Carimi slipped past the Eagles at No. 23 and the Seahawks at No. 25, who instead chose offensive guards Danny Watkins (Baylor) and James Carpenter (Alabama), respectively.

That got the Bears excited, who actually tried to trade up to No. 26 to take Carimi, according to Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo. The trade with Baltimore fell through when it was submitted too late and the Chiefs ended up making the 26th overall selection before the Ravens got their pick in.

In the end, Carimi was still available to the Bears at No. 29 and Chicago got their guy.

The Bears desperately need help on the offensive line after allowing the most sacks in the NFL last season. Carimi might not be a left tackle in the NFL, but he may get a chance to start on the left side given Chicago's protection issues. At the very least, Carimi should be a solid right tackle or could even work at guard, all positions the Bears can use help.

The Bears remain an option for former UW guard/center John Moffitt in the second or third round as well.