Windy City Gridiron
WCG’s lead draft analyst looks at a few offensive linemen the Bears would be wise to consider with one of their second-round picks.
After the Chicago Bears’ aggressive spending in free agency, their starting offensive line seems more or less set for the 2025 season.
Barring an unforeseen Braxton Jones trade, he and Darnell Wright figure to have the starting tackle spots lined up. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson just before the start of free agency, and they signed center Drew Dalman to a massive deal on Day 1 to fill our their interior.
That said, there’s still a possibility the Bears draft an offensive lineman early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It would be surprising to see the Bears trade Jones unless they end up with great value at offensive tackle in the first few rounds of the draft. However, with Jones in the last year of his rookie deal, they could always keep him on for 2025 and draft a tackle to keep in the wings for next year and beyond.
Additionally, Thuney is 32 years old, and Jackson is coming off of a major injury and a down year in 2024. There’s a chance one of the two guards isn’t a long-term option. Chicago’s offensive line is significantly improved, but there’s still a little bit of long-term risk attached to the group.
Should the Bears draft an offensive lineman in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, these are a few players who could fit that bill.
Note: Players are ranked in order according to where they rank on my 2025 NFL Draft big board, which is available in full on my Patreon.
Conerly is a bit of a longshot to fall to Nos. 39 or 41, but if he’s available, he would be tremendous value. He’s an elite athlete at offensive tackle with the high-level mobility and body control needed to thrive in pass protection and as a blocker on the move.
If Conerly falls out of Round 1, it might be because teams have concerns over his average play strength. That said, his athletic traits are complemented well by his vast improvements in his strike placement. He has long-term starting upside at tackle and fits the athletic mold Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles like in offensive linemen.
A three-year starter who ended his time at Ohio State with a national championship, Jackson feels like a high-floor guard and an investment where you know what you’re getting with him.
Not only is Jackson a densely-built guard prospect with a low center of gravity and a strong anchor, but he’s also an above-average athlete along the interior. His burst off the snap and fluidity as a down or reach blocker is certainly encouraging. If I were an NFL general manager, I’d consider picking Jackson as early as the 20s, but I sure wouldn’t complain if he were to fall into Chicago’s...
