Chicago Bears Make Bold Offensive Line Pick in Latest 2026 Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears’ biggest remaining roster hole may now be crystal clear: left tackle. In the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft from The Sporting News, Chicago addresses that need directly at No. 25 overall.

The Sporting News projects the Bears to select Monroe Freeling, the 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle from Georgia, whose size and athletic profile have pushed him firmly into first-round conversation after the NFL Combine.

The logic behind the projection is simple: protecting Caleb Williams remains the franchise’s top priority. Even with defensive needs still looming, securing long-term stability on the offensive line could define Chicago’s draft strategy in 2026.

Why Offensive Tackle Makes Sense for the Bears in First Round

The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 offseason with uncertainty at left tackle. Braxton Jones is headed toward free agency. Ozzy Trapilo suffered a serious knee injury late in 2025, putting his 2026 season in doubt. And Theo Benedet, while a fun story, is more of a backup swing tackle.

As things stand, the Bears don't have a starting left tackle on the roster.

Enter Freeling, who offers prototype traits.

"The Bears should think about looking at upgrading the tackles' pass protection for Caleb Williams, with Braxton Jones being a free agent," Vinnie Iyer wrote. "Freeling's massive frame and athleticism will be intriguing to turn some athletic potential into dominance in time."

Williams is unquestionably a franchise quarterback. In fact, he's a rare franchise quarterback who can thrive even in chaos. We saw in 2025 how great Williams can be behind the Bears' rebuilt offensive line, and left tackle remains the final unresolved piece of the offensive line.

Is Monroe Freeling Worth the Bears' First-Round Pick?

Freeling is not necessarily viewed as a finished product, and some analysts view him as a right tackle. His size and athleticism create intrigue, but consistency in pass sets and anchor strength remain areas evaluators continue to monitor.

"Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. "With only 16 career starts, filling out his frame and improving his technique should be early priorities. His quickness brings first-phase positioning advantages, but he needs more play strength to carry that over to block sustain and finish.

"There is some buyer beware on tape, but if smoothed out, he has the ceiling of a quality NFL starter."

At No. 25, the Bears must weigh ceiling versus plug-and-play starting ability.

If Chicago believes Freeling can turn his athletic potential into consistency on the left side, he becomes a logical investment. If they prioritize plug-and-play stability, they may look elsewhere.

How Offensive Tackle Fits the Bears’ 2026 NFL Draft Strategy

Freeling’s blend of size and athletic tools fits the modern prototype for offensive tackle play. With Williams entering a critical third year, stabilizing the offensive line could outweigh splash defensive additions.

Post-Combine momentum often clarifies player tiers. Freeling is expected to take that momentum into mid-to-late first-round projections.

The bigger takeaway from this Chicago Bears mock draft isn't necessarily the player; it's the position. Left tackle is a huge void on the roster right now, and with the depth at edge rusher and defensive tackle, the offensive line could shoot to the top of the Bears' draft board.