Bears might not end up doing what everyone thinks they'll do in 2026 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears are expected to lean heavily on defense in the 2026 NFL draft, but there are still a few offensive positions that the team could take. One of them is offensive tackle. While they do have a few options, nothing is set for the long term, and if the right name fell, it would be a great fit.

However, some people are not buying it. Pete Martuneac of Bears On SI wrote his four predictions for the Bears' draft, and one of them was that the team would not take an offensive tackle at all.

"I do believe that the Bears are satisfied with their current group of left tackles. By re-signing Braxton Jones on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million and bringing in former first-round pick Jedrick Wills, Poles gave his team a stable floor at left tackle"
Pete Martuneac

Will Chicago Bears pass on a left tackle in the 2026 NFL draft?

This is not that far-fetched. Yes, they do not have an answer, but they did make many smart investments in trying to find one. Braxton Jones was hurt last year, but before that, he was coming along as a completely capable starter. Jedrick Wills has been a trusted starter, but he is coming back from a serious injury.

Even Theo Benedet held down starting duties for a while, and his biggest issue was experience. There is a chance that he can come back and be even better next season.

Beyond that, these are their one-year options. Down the road, they can still rely on Ozzy Trapilo. Trapilo is coming off a patellar tendon injury that may impact the rest of his career. It will also take time for him to get back to his old ways.

That, combined with the three other options having plenty of questions, is why the team is rumored to be interested in drafting a tackle.

However, while the odds of Jones, Wills, and Benedet all being hits are very low, the odds of one them finding a solid starting ground is not hard to imagine. Beyond that, if all three get a fair shot to start, it gives the cream a chance to rise to the top. If they block them all with a new pick, they wasted a lot of resources on this depth.

Trapilo may never be the same, but in 2027, he will be on a rookie salary and should be fully healthy. That is another avenue that you do not want to block.

Offensive tackle may be the most unsettled position, but it is not a need for the Bears right now. They can get by without taking one.