The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis, where NFL front office staff, coaches and scouts from around the league get a chance to meet with NFL prospects from across the college football landscape and what them show what they can do in terms of measurables and other fitness testing.
Some people take the combine extremely seriously, and some think it doesn’t truly evaluate how good a football player is going to be. Regardless of your opinion, there is no denying that it’s a good tool to get to know certain players and how they are as people.
The Chicago Bears have a lot of needs to address this offseason. While it’s mostly on defense, there is an important hole to fill at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo set to miss most of the 2026 season. Of all the left tackles to observe this week, these are the five who should be considered must-watch:
Spencer Fano – Utah
Francis Mauigoa is almost a lock to be selected in the top five of the 2026 NFL Draft. If he falls, it would be a surprise. Regardless, it is highly unlikely that he ends up being selected by the Bears. Spencer Fano is also unlikely to be Chicago’s pick because of his projection. However, of the two, he is the one more likely to fall enough for the Bears to trade up and get. It isn’t likely, but it’s worth watching him at the combine for that reason.
Scouting report: “Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing. His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.” — Lance Zierlein
Caleb Lomu – Utah
Spencer Fano is not the only Utah tackle worth watching at this event, either. Caleb Lomu projects to go late in the first round. For the Bears at No. 25, he may be their best option if they want to use their top selection on a tackle.
Scouting report: “Two-year starting left tackle who is still in the early stages of his development. Utah’s run game leaned heavily on movement and misdirection, preventing Lomu from firing out and showing his power. His run blocking trails his pass protection, but improved pad level and a nastier demeanor could close the gap. In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in. His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average. Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching.” — Lance Zierlein
Monroe Freeling – Georgia
Monroe Freeling is one of the bigger players who could be a draft selection of the Bears, either in the first or second round. At 6’7″ and 315 lbs, there is a frame there that could develop into a solid NFL lineman. If they believe that the mobility can match the size, it’s worth taking a gamble on. They must use the combination to help determine that.
Scouting report: “Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle. 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. Lunging and deadening feet post-punch must be coached out of his muscle memory in pass protection so his athleticism and length can do their jobs. Independent hand usage and a reliable “snatch and trap” could instantly bolster his success rate. There is some buyer beware on tape, but if smoothed out, he has the ceiling of a quality NFL starter.” — Lance Zierlein
Blake Miller – Clemson
Blake Miller is a durable player who has played a lot of games in four years at Clemson. He is well-seasoned and ready to get his chance as a part of an NFL offensive line. At just the right pick, likely within the walls of the second round, Miller is someone to keep an eye on.
Scouting report: “Ultimate iron man at right tackle with 54 career starts. Miller has unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright. His hands lack accuracy and command in both phases, but he can recover and make blocks with a finisher’s mindset. Miller is rarely beaten by rush games, but he has his edges attacked because of his hand issues. He will encounter difficulties at the next level without better pad level, core strength and cleaner technique. If he tightens up in those areas, Miller can become a solid NFL right tackle.” — Lance Zierlein
Austin Barber – Florida
There are a handful of other tackles that could be taken in the first or second round, but the Bears have other needs that they may feel more worthy at that point. Better players to fill those positions may also be options earlier in the draft. Near their position in the third round could lie a guy like Austin Barber. After playing parts of five seasons with the Gators, Barber is ready to jump into the pro game. This is a big combine for him to try to improve his stock after playing a fully healthy season.
Scouting report: “Tall tackle prospect with starting experience at both tackle spots. He’s played against top-tier talent in the SEC, which bolsters his case, but his struggles against Texas A&M and Miami provide an idea of his ceiling. He has good feet and strong hands. He knows how to play but he struggles to bend and drive at the point of attack. Same goes for anchoring or defending his edges against power rushers. Barber projects as a Day 3 pick with a chance of becoming a swing tackle.” — Lance Zierlein
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 must-watch left tackles for Bears at NFL combine
Reporting by Vincent Parise, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
