The Chicago Bears are beginning to turn their full focus to the 2025 NFL draft with the most critical part of free agency now behind them.
Over the next month, they will attend college pro days to evaluate prospects and invite the 30 that interest them most for formal visits to their team facility. The process will help them build their draft board and sort their priorities.
A potential first-round offensive tackle has already caught their attention, too.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76). Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
According to The Oregonian's James Crepea, the Bears will host former Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. for a top 30 visit to Halas Hall before the draft.
Conerly is an exceptional athlete who has steadily grown into a formidable pass protector over the past two seasons as the Ducks' starting left tackle.
By Pro Football Focus' measurement, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Conerly allowed just two sacks and four quarterback hits over his 1,881 snaps at the position. He also held Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter - widely considered the best defensive talent in the 2025 class - to zero pressures in their 2024 matchup.
The Bears will return starting left tackle Braxton Jones in 2025, but he is coming off a season-ending ankle injury and entering a contract year, putting Chicago in a situation where it may look to upgrade/replace him with its No. 10 pick.
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If they do, Conerly could tempt them as a talent that ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper believes could become a "Pro Bowl-caliber player" at the NFL level.
"Conerly is going to keep getting better and better once he gets into the NFL," Kiper said. "I think he can be a Pro Bowl-caliber player."
Conerly is also scheduled to have official visits with the New Orleans Saints (No. 9), Atlanta Falcons (No. 15), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 17), Houston Texans (No. 25), Washington Commanders (No. 29) and Philadelphia Eagles (No. 32).
The 2025 NFL draft will run from April 24 to April 26 in Green Bay.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 12:24 PM.