The Chicago Bears are 7-3 and leading the NFC North entering Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so it's fair to say most fans (and some analysts) are not thinking a lot about anything offseason-related just yet.
But as we start to cast even just a passing gaze toward the 2026 NFL Draft, two positions stand out as the biggest needs for the Bears: edge rusher and left tackle, in interchangeable order.
In theory, 2025 second-round Ozzy Trapilo will be an option to play left tackle in 2026 (and/or beyond), but that is at best unclear. What is clear is that Theo Benedet isn't the long-term answer protecting Caleb Williams' blindside, and previous starter Braxton Jones is likely to be allowed to leave in free agency.
In a look at each team's top draft needs heading into Week 12, Bleacher Report's NFL Draft Scouting Department spotlighted left tackle as the top need for the Bears.
Bears may have ideal fit to protect Caleb Williams' blindside in 2026 draft
B/R then put particular focus on one left tackle prospect as a potential fit for the Bears, Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith, with a fresh scouting report from offensive line analyst Brandon Thorn.
"Carter Smith is an alert, powerful blocker with a stifling punch and the competitive toughness to steer and finish consistently. Though only average in lateral quickness and arm length—leading to some soft edges—his strength and strain limit damage. He projects as a dependable starter inside a run-first, play-action based system."
Smith (6-foot-5, 313 pounds) has started all 11 games at left tackle for the No. 2-ranked Hoosiers this season, and he has made 36 starts at the position over the last three seasons.
Entering Week 13 on the college schedule, with Indiana on a bye before their regular season finale against Purdue, Smith has the second-best pass blocking grade (93.9) among FBS offensive tackles from Pro Football Focus (minimum 110 pass blocking snaps). He has not allowed a sack, while allowing just five pressures.
Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, who is expected to be a first-round pick in next April's draft, has allowed five quarterback pressures as well, and his PFF pass blocking grade (81.0) is noticeably lower than Smith's.
Smith's 82.8 run blocking grade is also top-10 among FBS offensive tackles so far this season (eighth).
On some recent 2026 mock drafts and big boards, Smith has risen to the second-round range. If the Bears like him, that would be ideal for them. An edge rusher can take priority in the first round, then they come back in Round 2 and get their future left tackle.
Read more: Caleb Williams' clutch gene has (unsurprisingly) been unveiled this season
In any case, as the Hoosiers move toward a spot in the College Football Playoff, Bears fans have someone new they can keep an eye on as a potential future member of the team.