In addition to needing to hiring a head coach who can maximize quarterback Caleb Williams’ skill set and accelerate his development, one of the Chicago Bears‘ top organizational priorities is continuing to fortify the offensive line in front of the former No. 1 overall pick.
After all, Pro Football Focus lists the Bears’ offensive line, which allowed an unfathomable 68 sacks in Williams’ rookie season, as the No. 24 offensive line across the NFL.
Perhaps worse yet, in terms of Williams’ development as a competent starter, the former Heisman Trophy winner was asked to withstand 180 total pressures during his rookie campaign.
Chicago Bears take top offensive tackle in latest NFL mock draft
In The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft projection, the Bears select Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the No. 10 overall selection.
“Simmons was trending towards being OT1 in this draft class,” Brugler writes. “Until he suffered a knee injury in mid-October, which required season-ending surgery. His draft stock will be in limbo until the combine, when teams receive medical feedback from their doctors. But if he’s healthy, Simmons is a natural left tackle with a high ceiling.”
If Simmons can prove that he’s fully healthy during the Combine, there’s a very real possibility that he will wind up being the first offensive tackle to hear his name called during April’s draft, as he was in Brugler’s latest mock.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Simmons was the anchor of the offensive line that helped pave the way for what has become one of the most prolific offenses during the Buckeyes’ run in the College Football Playoff to a National Championship Game appearance.
“Simmons has a muscular, athletic and well-rounded, lean build with good length, very good athletic ability,” according to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. “And play strength.
If the Bears prioritize the offensive line early in the draft, Simmons could be a top target to watch.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams takes shot at former HC Matt Eberflus
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