Bears predicted to land an LSU OL to better protect Caleb Williams in ESPN mock draft

Bears predicted to land an LSU OL to better protect Caleb Williams in ESPN mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Chicago Bears are maybe the most hyped offense in the entire NFL coming into the 2026 regular season. Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, Darnell Wright, and Ben Johnson make a great core.

However, the Bears might have a problem long-term along the offensive line, especially at left tackle and at center. But after taking Logan Jones early in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears are more likely to focus on tackle long-term going forward.

With that in mind, ESPN’s Jordan Reid, in his preseason mock draft, had the Bears taking an LSU offensive tackle to bolster the OL and better protect Williams as they prepare to pay him a mammoth contract in the very near future.

Bears predicted to draft LSU OT to beef up OL for Caleb Williams

“16. Chicago Bears. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU,” Reid predicts. “… Seaton is an easy-moving pass protector who plays with excellent balance. He still needs to work on his hand placement, but his raw tools could eventually make him the top offensive player in next year’s class if he performs well against an SEC schedule.”

Seaton is a 6-foot-5, 307-pound offensive tackle who was previously at Colorado. He’s a projected top draft pick and would be a nice pickup for the Bears.

Despite needs at cornerback, defensive tackle, and edge rusher, Reid has the Bears taking an offensive tackle who might not even start right away.

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But the reason why is clear: Ozzy Trapilo is very uncertain for the future. He tore his patellar tendon last season, and while he’s been trending in the right direction to play this season, it’s still a significant injury to try and overcome.

Besides, Trapilo and Braxton Jones both haven’t shown enough to warrant the Bears deciding to lock them in as their franchise left tackle, as they did at right tackle with Wright.

Drafting Seaton to become their future left tackle, especially with a huge financial investment in Williams just around the corner, would make a lot of sense.

It might seem like a bit of a boring pickup for the Bears, but this is exactly the kind of draft pick they should be looking to make to build a successful team for many years to come.

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