Mock draft sees Bears adding additional protection for QB Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears (5-3) have been rising from the ashes in the first 10 weeks of the NFL schedule. But their real ascent dates back to the 2024 NFL Draft, when they chose quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. Despite emerging from USC and having played in the bright lights of Tinseltown, the young star got a reality check last season, when the Bears went 5-12 in his rookie year.

Much of the team's problems were on pass protection, as Williams was sacked a whopping 68 times in 2024. And while that pace has slowed down a bit this year, the Sporting News' NFL Mock Draft 2026 sees them drafting a potential Pro Bowler to help on the offensive line.

Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor from Alabama is a 6-7, 366-pound powerhouse who would be a perfect fit in Chicago. He's a former freshman All-American and Anthony Munoz award winner. With his incredible size, he translates well to the NFL.

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"He doesn’t overset and consistently forces rushers to play through his chest or run the arc—both of which are tough asks against his blend of length and athleticism," the NFL Draft Network noted about Proctor. "He knows when to clamp and when to strike with a well-timed jab. His anchor is rare, and he can set to any alignment without being phased by speed. Proctor plays with a calm, collected demeanor in protection, rarely showing panic."

However, the Draft Network also points out that, while Proctor is one of the top players at his position, he still has some flaws.

"Proctor can rely too heavily on his size advantage and come off the ball too high-hipped. That upright posture reduces his ability to generate consistent leverage, especially against lower, compact defenders. Improving pad level and bend will be key to fully unlocking his run-blocking potential."

Proctor will be chosen in the first round, and when he does, he will be the fourth Crimson Tide lineman to be taken in the initial round, following Jedrick Wills Jr. (2020), Evan Neal (2022), and JC Latham (2024).