Top O-Line Expert Reveals Who Chicago Bears Likely Take In 1st Round

Anybody with common sense knows the Chicago Bears will focus a hefty portion of their resources this off-season on upgrading their offensive line. They likely will replace at least three members of that position group from last season. Brad Biggs said their focus will be on the interior, but finding a left tackle to replace Braxton Jones is also a possibility. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson know preserving the safety of quarterback Caleb William must be their top priority.

That could include using their 10th overall pick in the 1st round. If so, the obvious question is who their target will be once on the clock. Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report is widely viewed as the best offensive line expert in the mainstream media. He has dug deep into the film of the top names in this class and recently posted his rankings, pinpointing which names are the best at specific aspects like run-blocking, pass-blocking, and so on. His finding may determine who the Bears target in April. It feels like two names are emerging as possibilities.

Offensive Tackles

Best Run-Blocker: Armand Membou
Best Pass-Blocker: Josh Simmons
Best Zone-Blocker: Armand Membou
Most Pro-Ready: Ozzy Trapilo
Most Versatile: Josh Simmons

Interior Offensive Linemen

Best Run-Blocker: Will Campbell
Best Pass-Blocker: Will Campbell
Best Zone-Blocker: Will Campbell
Most Pro-Ready: Tyler Booker
Most Versatile: Grey Zabel

The Chicago Bears' decision may be determined by their focus.

Free agency will factor into this process. If they secure a top option like Trey Smith in March, it could influence how they decide to approach that 1st round pick. Rather than target another guard, they could feel comfortable going for a tackle like Simmons. Thorn compared him to Christian Darrisaw, the Minnesota Vikings' dependable left tackle. Many feel he's on a Pro Bowl trajectory. As for Campbell, his game was likened to David DeCastro, the Pittsburgh Steelers' former six-time Pro Bowler.

Much of this hinges on Johnson's thinking of his options at tackle. Right now, it looks like a competition between Braxton Jones and former 3rd round pick Kiran Amegadjie for that spot opposite Darnell Wright. If the Chicago Bears head coach thinks one of them can handle the job, then Campbell will be the pick, presuming he's available. If not, Simmons becomes a legitimate conversation. It would mark the first time the Bears will have employed two 1st round tackles at the same time since Jimbo Covert and Keith Van Horne in 1991.