As March continues and all 32 NFL franchises look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears will have four picks in the top 100, including two in the second round, providing the front office with plenty of opportunities to add long-term building blocks as the team continues year two of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era.
While Chicago invested in left tackle last offseason, drafting Ozzy Trapilo, he's expected to miss most of the 2026 season. The Bears did retain veteran Braxton Jones in free agency, and signed former first-round pick Jedrick Wills to a one-year deal, adding both to a group that already includes undrafted free agent Theo Benedet. Left tackle may not be the biggest need for Chicago but adding a long-term option may not be a bad idea, especially since the front office can't hinge on Trapilo returning to pre-injury form.
One name that could make sense in the first round, if he falls to No. 25 overall is Georgia Bulldogs left tackle Monroe Freeling.
Let's get into our scouting report on Freeling.
Monroe Freeling, University of Georgia, (6-foot-7, 315 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Freeling offers coveted length and athleticism at right tackle. With only one season as a full-time starter, filling out his frame and improving his technique should be early priorities. His quickness brings first-phase positioning advantages, but he needs more play strength to carry that over to block sustain and finish. Lunging and deadening feet post-punch must be coached out of his muscle memory in pass protection so his athleticism and length can do their jobs. Independent hand usage and a reliable "snatch and trap" could instantly bolster his success rate. There is some buyer beware on tape, but if smoothed out, he has the ceiling of a quality NFL starter."
Film:
Strengths:
- Will be an instant impact, day one starter at the NFL level.
- Arm length comes in at 34.75-inches meaning he'll be a left tackle with no conversations about him needing to move inside.
- Athleticism is off the charts for a player who moves people in the run game.
- 2025 was his best year yet, in terms of being a pass protector.
- Strong, violent hands are easy to spot on film when he stays square while engaging defenders.
- Will have no issues operating on an island due to his massive frame.
- Physicality is the foundation of his game.
Weaknesses:
- Eyes and angles need to improve as a run blocker, especially when he gets to the second and third level.
- May be limited to playing in solely zone schemes at the next level.
- Will stand up straight in pass protection at times instead of playing low.
- Still learning how to prevent defenders from crossing his face.
Does Freeling fit the Bears offense?
As a pass protector, Freeling is a solid, well-rounded player who fits what the Bears are looking for. But the run game was such an important part of the Bears offense in 2025, that Freeling's inability to take the right angles when he gets out in space will hurt his ability to make a true impact at the second level. Teams could look past his run blocking, especially because he is great athlete who finds ways to be physical.
Conclusion:
Freeling projects to be a first-round pick, but where he ends up being drafted is going to be a fun storyline to monitor during the first round. The potential to be a top-tier left tackle at the next level exists, but it's clear that his rookie season will be spent learning how to be a true run blocker in an outside zone scheme, which is going to be his best fit at the next level.
Not a VIP subscriber to the Bear Report? Sign up now to get access to everything publisher Zack Pearson and the entire Bear Report team have to offer on all things Chicago Bears and access to the No. 1 site covering the team!