Draft Insider Warns Ryan Poles Has A Serious Left Tackle Dilemma In 2026 Draft
Left tackle is an issue for the Chicago Bears. Their planned solution, Ozzy Trapilo, tore his patellar in January and will likely miss most of the 2026 season. That puts Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson in a bind. While they remain confident in Trapilo’s long-term prospects, they need a solution at that position. Signing a veteran bridge is possible, but some wonder if Johnson may want to find help in the draft. After all, the veteran market looks pretty weak, which would explain why bringing back Braxton Jones is a strong consideration.
Here is where the problem presents itself. NFL Network draft insider Daniel Jeremiah made a statement recently that reveals the conundrum Poles and the Bears are in.
In other words, if the Bears don’t go after their left tackle solution in the 1st round, they’re unlikely to get somebody they feel can start for them immediately in this draft. They pick 25th overall. Several teams ahead of them need offensive line help. People already predict there could be a run on tackles early. If only one or two are left when Chicago goes on the clock, they may feel cornered with no choice but to take them.
| Prospect | School | Height | Weight | 10-Yard Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe Freeling | Georgia | 6’7″ | 315 lbs | 1.71s |
| Spencer Fano | Utah | 6’6″ | 311 lbs | 1.72s |
| Max Iheanachor | Arizona State | 6’6″ | 321 lbs | 1.73s |
| Caleb Lomu | Utah | 6’6″ | 313 lbs | 1.74s |
| Blake Miller | Clemson | 6’7″ | 317 lbs | 1.75s |
| Kadyn Proctor | Alabama | 6’7″ | 352 lbs* | 1.84s |
| Francis Mauigoa | Miami | 6’5.5″ | 329 lbs | N/A (Pro Day) |
Ryan Poles’ decision will depend on Johnson’s confidence.
The Bears head coach stated at the combine that the team’s goal in the draft is to take “good football players.” Focus on that. They can figure the rest out later. One takes that to mean the Bears aren’t married to any specific position. Whoever is the highest name on their board, they will take. If it happens to be a tackle, great. If not, they’ll grab another position and hopefully find a tackle solution later on. We saw this play out at running back last year.
It was no secret the Bears wanted help there going into the 2025 draft. They even tried trading up multiple times to get guys they liked. It never materialized. That is why they waited until the 7th round to grab Kyle Monangai. They could’ve reached for somebody to satisfy their need. Instead, they stuck to the board. It worked out. Colston Loveland and Luther Burden were instant hits, and Monangai became a quality contributor as well. So don’t expect Ryan Poles to pull the trigger on a tackle unless Johnson gives the green light.
Four names fit Johnson’s preferred profile.
The Bears’ head coach has a specific name in mind when thinking about left tackles. That would be Laremy Tunsil. Johnson worked with the All-Pro for three years in Miami. He represents the pinnacle of the position. So it’s likely Chicago would look for similar measurables in this class. We’re talking at least 6’5, 310 lbs, and runs a low 1.7 in the 10-yard split. Looking at the table above, four names check those boxes: Freeling, Fano, Iheanachor, and Lomu. Could any of them drop to the 25th pick?
Based on the latest mock drafts from top experts, Freeling and Fano are virtual locks to go in the top 20 of this draft. They’re too athletically gifted and have good tape. That leaves Inheanachor and Lomu. Of the two, Lomu is the more natural left tackle, having played it for years. However, Iheanachor may appeal to Johnson more because of his run-blocking ability and natural affinity for outside-zone blocking. He’s also stronger overall. if there is one player who the team might be comfortable “overdrafting” at #25 next month, it’s Iheanachor.