Bears could be in trouble in NFL draft with offensive tackle need originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears own the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there will be a few positions the team will likely be looking at in that spot.
Edge rusher is a clear need for the Bears, but offensive tackle is also an issue that needs to be addressed. Ozzy Trapillo is hurt, and neither Braxton Jones nor Theo Benedet will keep the Bears from going offensive line.
However, as Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer highlighted, the offensive tackle run in the middle of the first round might pose some problems for the Bears. Chicago is facing a tricky situation at OT in the NFL Draft's first round.
"With so many teams having a need at the position, and the position being of such great value, my guess is that the well running dry could provoke some movement," Breer writes.
The offensive tackles worthy of a first-round pick in this year's class are limited to just seven names. Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, Francis Mauigoa, Blake Miller, Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling, and Max Iheanachor are the only OT's worthy of a first-round pick.
For the Bears, the issue comes up with how there are too many OT-needy teams picking ahead of them in the draft.
In just the 11 picks in front of the Bears, the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles are all in need of OT help.
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There are six OT-needy teams, and seven tackles. However, there are plenty of teams ahead of the Ravens' 14th pick that could go OT.
The Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and potentially even the Tennessee Titans or Los Angeles Rams could be eyeing offensive tackle help.
With the Bears owning the 25th pick, and this draft set-up, they will be the last team seeking OT help in the first round of the draft. Chicago's best option might be waiting until Day 2 or 3 for their tackle need, with defense being the Round 1 focus.
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