The 2024 NFL season proved challenging for the Chicago Bears’ offensive line. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a staggering 68 times, setting a team record. While not every sack can be attributed to the offensive line, this statistic is one that no lineman wishes to have on their record.General manager Ryan Poles is anticipated to dedicate most of his offseason efforts to revamping the starting offensive line. The Bears currently possess the fifth-highest salary cap space in the league, and with three selections among the first 42 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Poles has ample high-value resources at his disposal to achieve this objective
The positive aspect for the Bears is that they don’t need to overhaul their entire starting offensive line. Right tackle Darnell Wright has excelled since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has started all 33 games over the past two seasons and has established himself as one of the league’s top young talents at his position.Wright’s performance has been so impressive that Pro Football Focus recognized him as the Bears’ “secret superstar.””Conversations about the struggles of the Bears’ offensive line were constant in Chicago, but Wright had a strong second year,” noted Bradley Locker. “The former first-round pick was the highest-graded starter on either side of the ball for the Bears (79.3 overall), playing 1,021 snaps while other linemen dealt with injuries. Wright significantly improved his run-blocking and pass-blocking grades by at least 14 points and committed three fewer penalties. While the Bears are likely to invest further in their offensive line this offseason, right tackle is solid with Wright in place.”
Bears likely to target offensive line in first round of 2025 NFL Draft
With Darnell Wright secured at right tackle, it’s likely that General Manager Ryan Poles will target a first-round prospect capable of safeguarding Caleb Williams’ blindside.In a recent mock draft by Dane Brugler from The Athletic, the Bears are projected to select Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons with the 10th overall pick. This would be an excellent choice, provided Simmons’ knee is in good condition during the pre-draft evaluations. He embodies the ideal left tackle profile.Simmons possesses the necessary size, length, athleticism, and strength, placing him in a different league compared to current starter Braxton Jones. His addition would greatly enhance the credibility of the Bears’ offensive line.The Bears also have the opportunity to convert either or both of their second-round picks into starters for the interior offensive line positions (guard or center). This strategy may seem excessive during the draft, but it would ultimately benefit Williams and the offense once the regular season begins.Fortunately, Darnell Wright will act as a foundational piece for the offensive line this offseason and for many years ahead.
