The Chicago Bears could be facing a very real decision at No. 25 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it might not go the way many expect.
According to Peter Schrager of ESPN, the Bears are projected to select Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in his latest mock draft. The pick would prioritize long-term offensive line upside over more immediate defensive needs.
âProctor is a mass of humanity,â Schrager wrote. âHe weighed in at 358 pounds at his pro day â but he can move.â
That combination of size and mobility is what continues to draw attention around the league.
âIf he keeps his weight down, Proctor has as much upside as any tackle in this class,â Schrager added.
Thereâs also a strong possibility Chicago wouldnât even have the chance to make this decision.
âAnd frankly, I think he is going earlier than No. 25,â Schrager noted.
If Proctor is still available when the Bears are on the clock, it likely means he has slipped. It would also force a choice between addressing clear defensive holes or investing in a potential long-term answer at left tackle.
Bears Could Prioritize Kadyn Proctor Over Defensive Needs
The Bears enter the draft with multiple needs on defense, particularly along the defensive line and at safety. Those positions have been widely viewed as early-round priorities.
But Schragerâs projection points in a different direction.
If Chicago follows a best-player-available approach, Proctor becomes a legitimate option, even if it means passing on defense in the first round.
Braxton Jones is expected to return from injury. However, his long-term role remains unsettled. Darnell Wright is firmly in place at right tackle, leaving left tackle as one of the few spots where Chicago could still make a significant investment.
That is where Proctorâs upside becomes appealing.
For a front office led by Ryan Poles that values offensive line play, that kind of ceiling could outweigh short-term needs elsewhere on the roster.
Kadyn Proctorâs Projection Comes With Clear Questions for Bears
While the upside is clear, Proctor is not viewed as a finished product.
Concerns about his pass protection remain a key part of his evaluation, particularly when it comes to consistency and technique. Some evaluators have also questioned whether he is best suited to stay at left tackle at the next level.
That uncertainty will matter to Poles and the Bears front office.
If the Bears use a first-round pick on Proctor, it would likely be with the expectation that he becomes their long-term blindside protector. With Darnell Wright locked in on the right side and veteran investments already made at guard, there is limited flexibility if that projection does not materialize.
At the same time, passing on defense early would leave other needs unaddressed.
That is what makes Schragerâs mock notable.
It doesnât just connect the Bears to a player. Instead, it highlights a realistic scenario where Chicago prioritizes long-term offensive line development over immediate defensive help at No. 25.
If they go offensive line in Round 1, the Bears would still have two second-round picks, a third-rounder, and seven total selections. That flexibility gives them multiple chances to address defensive needs later in the draft.
With the Bears looking to build off a strong 2025 campaign, this is a pivotal selection. They have multiple directions they can go at No. 25.
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