Bears set to meet with another long-term left tackle option on a Top-30 visit, and it wouldn't cost the 10th overall pick to draft him
Based on the additions made in free agency, the Chicago Bears set themselves up in the perfect spot going into the 2025 NFL Draft, a draft in which the team currently holds four selections in the Top-75 picks.Now, there's still some notable needs on the roster but one could argue that all of the top […]
Based on the additions made in free agency, the Chicago Bears set themselves up in the perfect spot going into the 2025 NFL Draft, a draft in which the team currently holds four selections in the Top-75 picks.
Now, there's still some notable needs on the roster but one could argue that all of the top starting positions are locked up heading into the draft season.
Basically, the Bears can use the upcoming selections to either upgrade some spots, or add some long-term depth options at a few lacking positions.
As a general manager, that's got to be the best position to be in for the draft, not having to rely on filling one certain position with an impact starter immediately. Great teams usually don't have to do that if the roster is good enough on paper beforehand.
The three main positions the Bears should look to address early in the draft is running back, defensive line, and offensive line. All positions that have impact players already in place, but adding some long-term certainty in those areas helps in a big way.
One position general manager Ryan Poles already teased about potentially upgrading, or as least adding competition at, is left tackle.
"That's another spot where it's gonna be competition," Poles said during the 2025 Scouting Combine. "And you build the O-line with the best five guys. So, we'll see how that goes through this offseason, and training camp."
The Bears already have an established starter at the position in Braxton Jones, but he's going to be coming off a serious ankle injury in 2025, which will also be the final year of his contract. Pairing that with Kiran Amegadjie's performance in 2024 explains why looking into the left tackle market might be advantageous in the long run.
Also at the Combine, the Bears met with seven different offensive tackles, either formally or informally. And now another name is joining the list on an upcoming Top-30 visit before the draft.
According to James Crepea, a beat reporter for the Oregon Ducks, the Bears are scheduled to have a Top-30 visit with former Ducks' left tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
Conerly is expected to be an early Day 2 selection, but seems to have significant interest beyond the Bears. Six other teams are expected to have Conerly in on a Top-30 visit and 12 teams held formal meetings with him at the Combine.
With that kind of interest across the league, there's a shot Conerly could hear his name called on the opening night of the draft, but taking him at 10 seems like a little bit of a reach. The Bears do hold the 39th and 41st overall picks in the second-round and could be meeting with him in case he happens to fall.
The amount of interest is warranted. Conerly allowed a 1.5% pressure rate along with only six pressures allowed in 2024. His 6-5, 311-pound frame also is enticing. Based on what the reviews are out of Oregon, he's also a tremendously hard worker. All of those traits shined during an impressive Combine performance.
We'll see if the Bears have a chance to grab this guy on Day 2. He could be an ideal long-term option at the position protecting Caleb Williams.
Bears updated roster following free agent additions, including the top positions of need leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft
Here’s how the team currently looks in Chicago.
