The Chicago Bears' First O-Line Top 30 Visit Is An Unexpected One

While the Chicago Bears have addressed their offensive line in free agency with three new starters, some feel they might not be done. GM Ryan Poles hinted at finding competition for Braxton Jones at left tackle. One would think he'd love to seize that opportunity early in the upcoming draft. However, the team has been largely silent regarding their top 30 visits with offensive linemen. That finally changed on Wednesday when James Crepea of the Oregonian revealed the team has a meeting lined up with Oregon Ducks tackle Josh Conerly.

This isn't the first time the Bears have been mentioned in his orbit. They had no fewer than three representatives on hand for the Oregon-Purdue game last October. Draft insider Tony Pauline of Sportskeedia later confirmed that Chicago likes Conerly. They view him as a potential option if they're able to trade down from the 10th pick. Many see him as the most improved lineman in this draft, going from likely 3rd round pick to possible 1st rounder. He is exactly the type of player both Poles and head coach Ben Johnson would like.

He has the upper-tier athleticism and size the Bears GM covets. He's also a highly intelligent blocker who plays with a good brand of violence. Johnson loves those traits.

The Chicago Bears meeting with Conerly sends a clear signal.

Everything becomes obvious when you combine the game visits, the rumors, and now this private visit. The Bears like him. What isn't certain is how they hope to land him. The 10th pick is out of the question. He still has too many question marks about his play strength and technique to justify going that high. The new coaching staff seems comfortable with Jones at left tackle, so there isn't a sense of urgency to replace him. Perhaps the Bears feel there is a possibility Conerly can slip to the 2nd round. They hold the 39th and 41st picks. It would be a big win if they could land him with one of those.

It is certainly possible. Mel Kiper of ESPN doesn't project Conerly going in the 1st round. The same is true of Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network. This puts the Chicago Bears' potential plan in place. They would let Jones start in 2025, while Conerly would take time to develop behind him. Then, in 2026, Jones is allowed to hit free agency, and the team has his replacement ready to go. It would free them up to go another direction in the 1st round while giving Kiran Amegadjie some competition for the swing tackle spot.