The Chicago Bears have finally made good on their promise to take a step forward, as the emergence of Caleb Williams as an ascending quarterback and the addition of a solid offensive line helped kick Ben Johnson's offense into high gear.
Many mock drafters have the Bears looking for defensive help, but a few are taking the alternate path, envisioning Chicago continuing to protect their star investment in Williams with a new tackle.
In a 2026 NFL Mock Draft from The Athletic's crew of beat writers, Dan Wiederer has the Bears eschewing many of the biggest needs on the roster to bring in Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor. Picking a left tackle with the shape of this roster seems a bit incongruous with what this team needs.
While many may subscribe to the notion that there is no such thing as having too many good offensive linemen in this league, picking someone who carries this level of risk over positions that are clearly problem areas for this squad might be one way for Ryan Poles to throw the entire fanbase a curveball.
Bears select Alabama LT Kadyn Proctor in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The Bears may have some left tackle questions due to the injury sustained by Ozzy Trapilo, but picking Proctor would be the equivalent of killing a mosquito with a shotgun as far as filling this team's big holes is concerned. On top of that, Proctor is far from being a no-doubt prospect.
Proctor stands 6-foot-7 and weighs a mammoth 366 pounds, but he has shown some legitimate issues handling speed, even at the collegiate level. Proctor may need some serious polish before he's ready for primetime, and there's a good chance that he never figures it out in the pros.
Chicago has a secondary held together by string and duct tape, the pass rush is basically non-existent outside of Montez Sweat, and the running back room may need someone with a bit more spice than Kyle Monangai. Picking Proctor would not be a wise allocation of resources.
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Picking Proctor would essentially be calling Trapilo a lost cause who won't become a long-term starter with the Bears. With the rest of the NFC North still nipping at their heels, look for the Bears to look at someone who can provide a more immediate impact in 2026.