The Chicago Bears are widely expected to prioritize defense during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team still has several offensive positions it could address. Offensive tackle is one area that has drawn attention. Although Chicago has a few players who could fill the role, none of them are firmly established as a long-term solution. Because of that uncertainty, selecting a tackle would make sense if the right prospect happened to fall to them.

Still, not everyone believes that will happen. Pete Martuneac recently shared four predictions about the Bears’ upcoming draft plans for Bears On SI, and one of his projections was that Chicago would ultimately pass on drafting an offensive tackle altogether.

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That scenario may not be as unlikely as it sounds. While the position lacks a definitive long-term answer, Chicago has already invested in several players who could still develop into reliable starters. Braxton Jones missed time last season because of injury, but prior to that he had been showing steady progress and looked capable of handling a starting role. Jedrick Wills also has experience as a dependable starter, though he is currently working his way back from a significant injury.

Another name in the mix is Theo Benedet, who stepped in for stretches as a starter. His biggest hurdle appeared to be limited experience, and with more playing time he could continue improving next season.

At the moment, many of these options are short-term solutions. Looking further ahead, the Bears could also turn to Ozzy Trapilo. Trapilo is recovering from a patellar tendon injury, which could affect his career trajectory and may require significant time before he returns to his previous form.

Because of those uncertainties — along with the mixed outlook surrounding the other tackles — speculation has grown that Chicago might target the position in the draft. However, the team could decide to give its current players an opportunity first.

While it’s unlikely that Jones, Wills, and Benedet will all emerge as successful starters, it isn’t unreasonable to believe that at least one of them could establish himself as a dependable option. Allowing each of them a chance to compete could help the best performer eventually claim the job. If the Bears were to immediately add another high draft pick at the position, it could limit opportunities for players they have already invested in.

Trapilo’s situation also factors into the long-term outlook. Even if his recovery takes time, he could be healthy and playing on a rookie contract by the 2027 season, which would make him an appealing future option for the offensive line.

For now, offensive tackle may be Chicago’s most uncertain position, but it may not be urgent enough to force the team’s hand in the upcoming draft. The Bears could decide that their current group gives them enough flexibility to move forward without selecting a tackle.