ESPN insider urges Bears fans not to rule out one non-flashy position in Round 1

ESPN insider urges Bears fans not to rule out one non-flashy position in Round 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears have some valuable draft picks in this year's draft. They own the 25th, 57th, 60th, and 89th picks in the first three rounds, giving Chicago plenty of chances to land some top-tier talent.

But what positions will the Bears target early in this year's draft? Defensive line is the obvious need, with the team desperately needing edge rusher help.

However, ESPN insider Courtney Cronin is urging Bears fans not to count out one other non-flashy position, in offensive line, with the 25th pick in the 2026 NFL DRaft.

Bears fans shouldn't count out OL in Round 1

"Depending on how many edge rushers are off the board by the time Chicago picks at No. 25, selecting a D-end is logical, but don't rule out an offensive lineman in the first round," Cronin writes.

The Bears taking an offensive lineman wouldn't be as exciting as if the team took an edge rusher, a cornerback, or even a safety or wide receiver.

But, with the injury to Ozzy Trapilo that might last for much of the season, the offensive line need is a sneaky big one for Chicago.

More: Zion Young predicted to land with Bears in 2026 NFL Draft

He's set to miss a lot of time this upcoming season after his ruptured patellar tendon late in the season. Their backups in Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones aren't good enough to stop Chicago from going OL in round one.

Of the possible options with this pick in the first round, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor would be one of the more fun options for the Bears. He's a big lineman who also factored into some trick plays for the Crimson Tide last year. Ben Johnson could have some fun.

While it might not be the flashiest pick in the world, there is a very real possibility that the Bears, with the 25th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, go with an offensive lineman instead of targeting a defensive end or some form of defensive help.

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