ESPN insider Peter Schrager released his first mock draft of the year. Find out who he has the Chicago Bears selecting with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, which means there will be a flurry of mock drafts released by everyone and anyone.
It's that time of the year.
ESPN's Peter Schrager only does two mock drafts a year. His first one debuted this morning, and the second will be released the week of the draft, which begins on April 23.
Schrager projected all 32 first-round picks and did so "based on what I'm hearing, rather than what I would personally do at each slot. Nothing is set in stone quite yet, which is why I'll have a second mock draft in two weeks. But for now, this is my best guess for how things could play out."
Let's dive into who Schrager chose for the Chicago Bears in the first round.
With the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears select Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
Some fans just shut their laptop, gave a nasty side eye, and maybe, someone out there even nodded in agreement.
Here is Schrager's explanation.
"Proctor is a mass of humanity. He weighed in at 358 pounds at his pro day -- but he can move. If he keeps his weight down, Proctor has as much upside as any tackle in this class. And frankly, I think he is going earlier than No. 25. But with Ozzy Trapilo out and Braxton Jones' uneven play, Chicago would be happy with this outcome. General manager Ryan Poles is often credited for the Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey picks in Kansas City, and he has the chance to add another star to the list."
Analysis
Poles was the only general manager who attended Alabama's Pro Day. Bears assistant general manager Jeff King also joined Poles to scout the Alabama Crimson Tide prospects.
The Alabama left tackle is a massive human being, and he only allowed two sacks and four quarterback hits on 985 offensive snaps played last season. Proctor moves defenders in the run games and has the ability to anchor against the bullrush.
Some analyst question his consistency to mirror pass rushers in space and believe he might play at right tackle or guard in the NFL. However, an impressive Pro Day may have silenced some doubters. According to ESPN's Field Yates, "Proctor had a lot of people buzzing here at pro day. His movements skills during the on-field drills were exceptional. And you could hear the sound of him hitting the bags from the opposite side of the field."
Here is Proctor going up against Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, who is also projected to go in the first round.
Proctor was a three-year starter at Alabama, exclusively playing at left tackle. For his 2025 season, he was named the corecipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, presented to the SEC's top offensive lineman, and earned first-team All-SEC honors.
My Take
I like this pick for the Bears. It's unfortunate that Trapilo ruptured his patellar tendon in the playoff win against the Green Bay Packers, but the Bears can't deviate from their philosophy of taking the best player available.
If that happens to be a left tackle the year after Poles selected Trapilo, then so be it. The Bears can't afford to mess around with that premium position because doing so would come at Caleb Williams' expense.
Remember this as well. Poles wouldn't be making this pick alone. Johnson would have to sign off on it, and offensive line coach Dan Roushar would have his fingerprints all of the selection as well. It's the team making the pick, not just Poles.
The Chicago Bears are in win-now mode. Williams playing behind Proctor, Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson and Darnell Wright would allow the Bears' quarterback to take another step in Johnson's offense. Proctor also helps Chicago's rushing attack remain one of the top units in the NFL.
Some fans are going to have questions about the Bears' ability to rush the quarterback, and that is valid. But Chicago still has picks 57 and 60 in the second round and No. 89 in the third round to find some impact players to upgrade the defense.