Ben Johnson finally solves the Chicago Bears long-term left tackle dilemma in latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft projection
The solution might not be found until 2026.
The Chicago Bears are starting to have a growing issue on it’s hands when it comes to finding the long-term blindside protector for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears made significant investments into the interior of the offensive line heading into the 2025 season adding players such as Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman but felt fine about leaving the tackle positions set outside of drafting Ozzy Trapilo.
The massive second-round rookie was competing for the left tackle position throughout the majority of the spring and training camp but recently moved over to the right side behind Darnell Wright to begin his transition into a swing tackle.
That left incumbent starter Braxton Jones and two second-year players in Theo Benedet and Kiran Amegadjie vying for the starting position at left tackle, but neither of the three have provided much confidence for the team heading into the season, or beyond the 2025 season for that matter.
Chicago could look to get creative next season by moving Wright to the left side and sliding Trapilo into the right tackle spot, or opt to completely look a new direction to find a sure-fire starter that can protect Williams’ blindside for years to come.
Well, in the latest mock draft of the 2025-2026 NFL season, A to Z Sports had a few writers collaborate on a first-round mock that sent the Bears the best possible option to fill that role.
Bears Select Alabama LT Kadyn Proctor In 2026 Mock Draft
Taking a first-round left tackle seems to be the best course of action looking ahead to next year’s draft, based on what we’re currently seeing with this roster. It’s a move the Bears might have even tried to pull off this past draft had Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks been on the board instead of deciding to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
In this mock, the Bears ended up with the 15th overall pick, which still was able to put the team in position to select the third offensive tackle off the board and Kadyn Proctor certainly fits the bill for the team could be searching for.
Proctor has started 25 games over his two seasons at Alabama holding down the left tackle position for the Crimson Tide’s offense. During the 2024 season, Proctor had a much improved season allowing just three sacks and 15 pressures compared to 12 sacks and 36 pressures as a freshman. With another year under his belt, he could end up looking like an even more polished player.
Size-wise, Proctor already looks like an NFL-ready offensive tackle listed at 6’7, 366 pounds and he plays like a mauler according to A to Z Sports’ Tyler Forness. He just turned 20-years-old back in June and physically is an absolute monster.
Heading into his third-season as the starter, Proctor was voted as a preseason first-team All-America tackle, showing what many around the nation see in this player’s potential.
If the Bears still find themselves with a left tackle problem after the 2025 season, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson need to preplan some trips down to Tuscaloosa to see him.
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