The Chicago Bears are hours away from making their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While there are several positions of focus for the Bears, the two most popular ones in mock drafts have been defensive and offensive lineman pick 25. As the last few weeks have gone on, the noise around the Bears' potential selection has been getting closer to being more of an offensive tackle since they need a left tackle to replace the injured Ozzy Trapilo.
There is an expectation that offensive linemen are going to go early and often within the first 15 picks. One certain situation could force the Bears to move up in the NFL Draft to the top 20.
Kadyn Proctor dropping outside the top 15 with more than five tackles picked
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor has been a mixed bag for experts, as some have him going as early as the top 10, and some have him dropping closer to the end of the first round. There is a scenario where multiple offensive tackles could be taken within the first 15 picks.
If the Bears see more than five offensive tackles taken within the first 15 picks, they are going to have no choice but move up if they want a tackle. Other teams outside the top 20 like the Philadelphia Eagles could end up doing the same thing to get their guy.
Chicago currently has Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills, and Theo Benedet competing for the starting left tackle job. The Bears might not feel comfortable with any of the three and if they want their guy for the future, they will need to move up to make it happen.
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Proctor is a great prospect and one that a lot of teams late in the first are going to want, so the Bears better be ready to cough up a pick or two to land their guy.
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