While General Manager Ryan Poles and the Bears have attempted to continue building the roster elsewhere, adding another youth-infused impact lineman continues to be a position of focus in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Things will certainly change as boards adjust, sources share news, and the college football season concludes, but here are three early names -- on each day of the selection process-- Bears fans should keep on their radar as the fall progresses.
Day 1: Trevor Goosby, Texas
At 6-foot-7, Goosby is a fluid, gifted mover with the kind of foot quickness and balance that translate seamlessly to the next level. Similar to former Longhorns in Cam Williams, Christian Jones, and 2025 first-rounder Kelvin Banks Jr (Saints), his ability to mirror speed rushers and recover against inside counters makes him one of the premier pass protectors in college football.
While still refining his anchor and overall play strength, his frame and athletic traits suggest he’ll continue to grow into a complete left tackle.
For the Bears, that skill set would be a massive upgrade from Braxton Jones, whose inconsistencies in pass protection have limited Chicago’s ability to fully maximize its offense. If the organization wants to ensure long-term security for its franchise quarterback, Goosby projects as a high-end solution on the blind side.
His upside, paired with his polish at such a young stage, makes him the kind of first-round talent who could quickly emerge as a cornerstone piece for Chicago’s offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Day 2: Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Tiernan has steadily developed into one of the more reliable tackles in the Big Ten, blending size, length, and enough athleticism to hold up against quality edge talent.
Another 6-foot-7 mammoth of a man with long arms, he’s particularly effective at running defenders past the arc, showing the kind of patience and controlled hands that Poles has valued in developmental linemen.
While he doesn’t carry the same upside as a Goosby-type prospect, his technical consistency and background in a pro-style system make him a plug-and-play option on either side of the line.
For Chicago, Tiernan would represent a safer Day 2 swing -- a player who can compete with Jones for the left tackle job while also providing depth and flexibility. He fits the mold of a steady, high-floor addition who could quietly lock down a starting role for years.
Day 3: Monroe Mills, Virginia
You won't see Mills in 2025 because of a torn achilles he suffered in the spring, but his traits will draw attention from offensive line-needy teams late in the process.
A former Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Louisville transfer, he’s got prototypical size at 6-foot-6 with decent movement skills for a big-bodied tackle. His experience at both right and left tackle gives him added value as a swing option, though his pad level, hand placement, and anchor strength remain works in progress.
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For Poles and the Bears, Mills could be a Day 3 developmental investment -- someone to bring into Ben Johnson's system and refine over time. He wouldn’t be expected to start immediately, but his length, frame, experience in multiple offensive structures and flashes of mobility make him worth stashing as a depth piece who could grow into more down the road.