The offensive line has been a sore subject for the
Chicago Bears over the last handful of years. They have already made multiple moves this offseason to address it, but they shouldn't be close to content. Instead, they should turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, where they can consider taking one (or more) linemen who can further solidify the offensive trenches. Protecting Caleb Williams, their most important asset in the organization, has to be their number one priority. They've already shown a commitment to that this offseason. Now, it's about continuing to shore up the roster and build a long-term contender. New head coach Ben Johnson had a lot of success running Detroit's offense, but it wouldn't have happened without the top-notch offensive line paving the way. If the Bears want to get to that level, they are going to have to replicate that to some degree, which is exactly what they've been doing this offseason.
1. Will Campbell, LSU
LSU is not a program that is easy to start for, and Will Campbell did it for three full years, starting as a freshman. He would make an immediate impact on the Bears upon his arrival. The problem is Chicago would need Will Campbell to fall to them at 10th overall, which isn't a guarantee. Trading up for a player like Campbell wouldn't be the worst idea of all time either. If they really like him, and don't think he'll be there at 10, one of those extra second-round picks could be helpful.
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Now, pretend like Campbell does get drafted by somebody else and the Bears don't love anybody at 10. That could be grounds for a trade back. Kelvin Banks Jr. would be a great pick in the mid-to-late teens, and Chicago would get some extra draft capital out of it. Texas is in the SEC now, which means that they are playing against significantly better competition regularly. Despite that, they still took a step forward in 2024 and having linemen like Banks helped.
3. Tyler Booker, Alabama
Everything said about Banks and trading back can be applied to Tyler Booker, as well. He is a disruptor who could make life a lot easier for Williams if he grows into his potential as an interior lineman. Like LSU, Alabama is not a program to think twice about when it comes to drafting their players. The Bears could get Booker in the mid-to-late teens just like Banks if they decide that getting more draft capital is worth it to them.
4. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Josh Simmons is an early Day 2 guy but early, and he could have good value with his status at this point. If the Bears decide to go in a different direction (skill player or defense) in the first round, circling back to the offensive line in the second round may not be a bad idea. Simmons could go in the late first round, as well, which may put him out of reach for the Bears because they won't trade that far back. However, Chicago could trade back into the first round using their two second-round picks or ones from next season.
5. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Ohio State is good at pumping out offensive linemen and this list is proof of that. Donovan Jackson is someone who could go in the second round relatively early. The Bears are scheduled to pick 39th and 41st, which could both be prime spots for Jackson. The good thing for Jackson is that he played for the National Champion Ohio State team. He knows how it feels to grind through a playoff tournament (the first 12-team playoff in NCAA football history) and win the big game when it matters the most. That experience will help him in the NFL. The offensive line is a big deal in the NFL. If your quarterback doesn't play well, you have no shot of winning the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff, among others, continue to have good years because they (mostly) can stay on their feet. All of them have a Super Bowl appearance, or multiple straight postseason runs, which is what the Bears are looking for. It won't come unless Williams can develop while staying upright.
