The Mauler, The Mountain, and The Natural: 5 Left Tackles to Save Caleb’s Blindside
We won a playoff game. We beat the Packers twice. Life should be good.
But we can’t have nice things without a little pain, right? Watching rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo go down with a torn patellar tendon in the playoffs was a punch to the gut. That’s not a “rub some dirt on it” injury. That’s a “see you in 2027” injury.
So here we are. The interior line is set — Thuney, Dalman, Jackson, and Darnell Wright holding down the right side are a brick wall. But the most important spot on the line? The guy watching Caleb Williams’ back? It’s wide open.
We are picking at No. 25. We don’t have the luxury of waiting. We need a guy who can slide his feet, punch a defensive end in the mouth, and keep our franchise quarterback from ending up on a highlight reel for the wrong reasons.
I’ve combed through the tape on the top 5 left tackle prospects. Some are pipe dreams, some are projects, and one feels like he was made in a lab for this specific offense.
Here is the no-BS breakdown of the top left tackle prospects for the Bears in 2026.
1. Francis Mauigoa (Miami) – The “If He Falls, We Sprint” Dream
The Vitals: 6’6″ | 335 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A road grader with a mean streak.
Francis Mauigoa is a bad man. He played right tackle at Miami and didn’t give up a single sack in the College Football Playoffs. He’s 335 pounds of “get out of my way.” He has heavy hands, anchors like a ship, and finishes blocks like he’s personally offended by the defender’s existence.
Why He Fits: He’s a tone-setter. Ryan Poles loves violence upfront, and Mauigoa brings it. While he played right tackle, he has the feet to play left, or worst case, he’s an All-Pro guard.
The “But…”: He’s not making it to 25. He’s a Top-15 lock. Also, some scouts think his arms are too short for tackle and view him as a guard. But honestly? If he’s there, you take him and figure it out later.
The Verdict: The Pipe Dream. If he starts sliding because of the “guard” talk, you move up. But don’t hold your breath.
2. Spencer Fano (Utah) – The “Dancing Bear”
The Vitals: 6’6″ | 308 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: An oversized tight end playing tackle.
Spencer Fano moves differently. He’s 308 pounds but glides like he’s 260. He’s the consensus OT2 because his feet are elite. He mirrors speed rushers effortlessly. In a zone scheme (which we love), he is the prototype.
Why He Fits: He’s the best athlete in the class. He can reach block, pull, and get to the second level before the linebacker knows the ball is snapped.
The “But…”: He’s lean. Power rushers can bully him a bit. He needs to spend a year eating nothing but deep dish and lifting heavy things. And like Mauigoa, he’s probably gone in the Top 15.
The Verdict: Unobtainable. He’s too athletic to fall to 25.
3. Caleb Lomu (Utah) – The “Perfect Fit” Target
The Vitals: 6’6″ | 308 lbs | Redshirt Sophomore
The Vibe: The technician who makes it look easy.
This is the guy. Circle his name. Tattoo it on your arm. Caleb Lomu took Spencer Fano’s job at left tackle at Utah and didn’t allow a sack all year. He is the “most natural left tackle” in the draft.
Why He Fits: He is tailor-made for Ben Johnson’s offense. He has the elite kick-slide to handle speed, the balance to handle power, and the zone-blocking chops to open lanes for the run game. He’s young, he’s athletic, and he’s actually projected to be available at 25.
The “But…”: He’s not a “people mover” in the run game yet. He’s more of a “get in the way and seal you off” guy than a “drive you into the parking lot” guy. He needs to get stronger.
The Verdict: The Pick. If he is there at 25, this is the easiest decision of Ryan Poles’ life. He fills the biggest need with a guy who fits the scheme perfectly.
4. Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) – The “Mountain” Gamble
The Vitals: 6’7″ | 369 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A eclipse of the sun in shoulder pads.
Kadyn Proctor is massive. 6’7″, 369 pounds. He’s the biggest human in the draft. When he gets his hands on you, the rep is over. He has rare power and length.
Why He Fits: You can’t teach 369 pounds. If he puts it all together, he’s Trent Williams. He can anchor against a bull rush better than anyone because, well, physics.
The “But…”: He’s messy. He plays upright, he dips his head, and speed rushers can make him look like he’s running in quicksand. He’s a “boom or bust” prospect. Do we trust our O-line coach to fix his technique while Caleb Williams’ life hangs in the balance?
The Verdict: High Risk, High Reward. If Lomu is gone, Proctor is a fascinating swing. But be prepared for some ugly reps early on.
5. Caleb Tiernan (Northwestern) – The “Stay Local” Safety Valve
The Vitals: 6’7″ | 325 lbs | Senior
The Vibe: The reliable veteran who just does his job.
Caleb Tiernan has been starting at Northwestern forever. He’s experienced, versatile (can play Guard or Tackle), and tough. He’s not going to wow you with athleticism, but he won’t get embarrassed.
Why He Fits: He’s depth. He’s competition. If we miss out on the top guys in Round 1, Tiernan is the guy you target on Day 2 to come in and compete.
The “But…”: He’s an average athlete. He’s likely a guard at the next level. He’s not a franchise Left Tackle.
The Verdict: Round 3 Target. Good depth piece, but if he’s your starting Left Tackle Week 1, you’re nervous.
Visualizing the Tackle Board
Final Verdict
Here is the reality: We need a starter. Ozzy Trapilo isn’t walking through that door anytime soon.
- The Target: Caleb Lomu. He is the best scheme fit and the most likely to be there at 25. He stabilizes the line instantly.
- The Swing: Kadyn Proctor. If you want to bet on traits, he’s the guy. But it’s scary.
- The Fallback: If the tackles fly off the board, you take the best defender available and grab Tiernan or another developmental guy on Day 2, then pray a veteran cut becomes available.
Ryan Poles has built a bully. Now he needs to protect the quarterback. Caleb Lomu is the answer.
Bear Down.