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The Chicago Bears have no shortage of needs to address heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, especially on defense where there are needs across the board on the defensive line and finding a starting safety to pair with newcomer Coby Bryant. But there's another position that bears monitoring.
While it appeared that the Bears might've found an answer at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo last season, his ruptured patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs has his future in doubt. General manager Ryan Poles said that Trapilo will miss most of the 2026 season, but they do expect him to return to form. Still, that leaves a big question mark at left tackle.
During the NFL Annual League Meeting in Arizona on Monday, head coach Ben Johnson told reporters that "all options" are on the table when it comes to addressing the left tackle position, which might even include using the 25th overall pick on a tackle if the right guy is still on the board.
"Bears coach Ben Johnson says essentially all options are on the table at left tackle after a 'pretty serious injury' to Ozzy Trapilo," wrote the Sun-Times' Jason Lieser. "Could go short-term solution or long term. Johnson says it’s tough to predict how that position looks this season or over the next five years."
Should Chicago elect to go the short-term route, which they've already set themselves up for, it would be another competition featuring some familiar faces, along with a newcomer. The Bears re-signed Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet this offseason, as well as signed former first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. to compete for the starting job.
But for a Chicago group that's approached the draft with a best-available approach, you have to consider if one of their top left tackles is still on the board come pick 25, they could very well take that swing while addressing defensive line and safety needs in the second round.
It's a big decision for the Bears, who are already dealing with the loss of center Drew Dalman, who retired after five NFL seasons. They did trade for Garrett Bradbury, but they could also be in the market to find his future replacement in the draft, as well.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson indicates all options on the table at left tackle
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While it appeared that the Bears might've found an answer at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo last season, his ruptured patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs has his future in doubt. General manager Ryan Poles said that Trapilo will miss most of the 2026 season, but they do expect him to return to form. Still, that leaves a big question mark at left tackle.
During the NFL Annual League Meeting in Arizona on Monday, head coach Ben Johnson told reporters that "all options" are on the table when it comes to addressing the left tackle position, which might even include using the 25th overall pick on a tackle if the right guy is still on the board.
"Bears coach Ben Johnson says essentially all options are on the table at left tackle after a 'pretty serious injury' to Ozzy Trapilo," wrote the Sun-Times' Jason Lieser. "Could go short-term solution or long term. Johnson says it’s tough to predict how that position looks this season or over the next five years."
Should Chicago elect to go the short-term route, which they've already set themselves up for, it would be another competition featuring some familiar faces, along with a newcomer. The Bears re-signed Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet this offseason, as well as signed former first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. to compete for the starting job.
But for a Chicago group that's approached the draft with a best-available approach, you have to consider if one of their top left tackles is still on the board come pick 25, they could very well take that swing while addressing defensive line and safety needs in the second round.
It's a big decision for the Bears, who are already dealing with the loss of center Drew Dalman, who retired after five NFL seasons. They did trade for Garrett Bradbury, but they could also be in the market to find his future replacement in the draft, as well.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson indicates all options on the table at left tackle
Continue reading...
