The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they’ll have an opportunity to shore up the roster at key positions of need. And while all the talk has been about defense, the Bears could actually target offense in the first round.
There are once again questions for the Bears at left tackle following Ozzy Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon that’s expected to sideline him for most or the entire 2026 season. Which means Chicago will once again have a competition for the starting job including familiar faces in Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet, as well as free-agent addition Jedrick Wills Jr. But there’s also an opportunity for Chicago to upgrade entirely at left tackle in the first round of the draft.
There are expected to be a run on offensive tackles in the middle of the first round. And, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Bears are one of several teams who are looking to emerge from Day 1 with an offensive tackle.
There’s a late-round zone loaded with teams that would love to come out of Thursday night with a new offensive lineman, including the Lions, Panthers, Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Browns, Bears, 49ers, Chiefs and Patriots. Kansas City could even use its No. 9 pick on an offensive tackle and no one would be surprised.
The Bears have big needs on the defensive side of the ball, including defensive tackle, edge rusher and safety. But general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have preached the importance of drafting the best player available, which landed them tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III just a year ago.
If a top offensive tackle is on the board when Chicago’s first-round selection rolls around, the expectation is they won’t waste time improving at a premier position.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears targeting offensive tackle in first round of 2026 NFL Draft?
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
