The Chicago Bears head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear defensive priority - and for good reason. They finished 29th overall in total defense last season, ranking 23rd in points allowed.
The pass defense sat at 22nd, and the run defense was even worse at 27th. So yes, it’s a unit that needs help, particularly in the trenches.
But while the defense will (and should) get plenty of attention, there’s another hole on this roster that can’t be ignored: left tackle.
Right now, the Bears don’t have one.
The expected starter is recovering from a serious injury and isn’t projected to return until the regular season. Everyone else who took snaps at the position is either a pending free agent or a stopgap.
And with a shallow free agent class at tackle, the draft becomes the most viable path forward. That’s where Monroe Freeling enters the picture.
Freeling isn’t a household name - yet. He doesn’t have the media buzz of some other prospects, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside league circles, players like him don’t stay under the radar for long. They’re the kind who quietly rise up draft boards as scouts dig into the tape.
And with the Bears sitting at pick No. 25, they’re in prime position to take a calculated swing on a high-upside prospect like Freeling.
Why Monroe Freeling Makes Sense for Chicago
Let’s start with the measurables. Freeling stands 6-foot-7, weighs in at 315 pounds, and sports 34-inch arms - the kind of frame NFL teams dream about at left tackle.
His athleticism jumps off the screen. He’s fluid in space, has quick feet to mirror edge rushers, and shows the kind of natural movement skills that translate well to the pro level.
He’s also got a strong mental game - diagnosing stunts, recognizing twists, and rarely getting flustered when things get chaotic.
Freeling’s ability to hold up in pass protection without constant help is especially intriguing. That’s a trait Bears head coach Ben Johnson has emphasized repeatedly.
He wants his tackles to be able to survive on an island. Watch Freeling on tape, and you’ll see exactly that.
He fires out of his stance with balance and agility, keeps his hands inside, and stays square through the rep. It’s not perfect - he’s still learning - but the foundation is there.
He’s also a weapon in the run game, particularly on outside zone and screen plays. His mobility and aggression allow him to get out in front and clear lanes with authority.
And while he’s not a finished product, he rarely panics - a huge plus for a young lineman. His background in basketball shows up in how easily he changes direction and recovers when beaten.
Where He Needs to Grow
Freeling’s biggest knock is experience. He’s only started 16 games, and at times, it shows.
His technique can be inconsistent. In the run game, he doesn’t always sustain blocks or take ideal angles.
He also plays a bit high, which can be a problem for taller tackles - it leaves him vulnerable to power rushers who get underneath him.
There’s also room to grow in terms of strength. For a guy his size, he’s still a bit light in the lower body and can be moved off his spot against bull rushes.
And while his hands are violent - which is a good thing - they’re also a bit predictable. NFL defenders will catch on quickly, so he’ll need to develop more variety in how he engages.
But these are coachable flaws, not red flags. The physical tools are there.
The mindset is there. The willingness to learn appears to be there.
That’s a combination you bet on.
A Familiar Comparison: Bernhard Raimann
Bears fans might see shades of Bernhard Raimann in Freeling’s profile. Raimann, you’ll remember, was a converted tight end with elite athleticism, a light frame, and limited experience coming into the 2022 draft. The Colts grabbed him in the third round, and he’s been their starting left tackle ever since.
Now imagine Raimann, but younger - Freeling is only 21 - and with a similar athletic ceiling. If Raimann had entered the league at that age, there’s a good chance he would’ve been a first-rounder.
That’s the kind of upside we’re talking about here. Freeling may not be a polished product yet, but he’s already showing a natural feel for the position.
He moves well, plays with poise, and has that competitive edge teams love at tackle.
Ask yourself this: how much better would the Bears’ offensive line have looked last season with a player like Raimann holding down the left side? That answer tells you everything about why Freeling should be in the mix at pick No. 25.
Why Ben Johnson Might Pound the Table
Let’s not forget who’s running the show now. Ben Johnson has made it clear: he won’t settle at left tackle.
During training camp, he rotated players at the position constantly, searching for someone who could meet his standard. When the playoffs rolled around, and the Bears faced the Rams, Johnson even slid Joe Thuney out to tackle - a bold move that underscored how seriously he takes the position.
Ozzy Trapilo looked like he might be the long-term answer… until a devastating patella injury derailed his season. Patella injuries are no joke. They’re hard to come back from, especially at a position that demands lateral quickness and lower-body strength.
That opens the door for a player like Freeling - someone who checks the boxes Johnson cares about. Smart.
Athletic. Calm under pressure.
Able to hold his own without constant help. Sure, he’s raw.
But Johnson and offensive line coach Dan Roushar have shown they’re willing to develop talent. What they need is a player who’s willing to be coached, and by all accounts, Freeling fits that bill.
Final Thought
The Bears have work to do on defense, no doubt. But if they walk out of the first round with a potential franchise left tackle, they’ll have taken a massive step toward solidifying the foundation of their offense.
Monroe Freeling might not be the flashiest name in this draft, but he’s the kind of player who could quietly become a cornerstone. And in Chicago, that’s exactly what they need.