Last month, the Chicago Bears did a great job fortifying the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams. Two Pro Bowl guards, Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, followed by free agency’s best center, Drew Dalman, dramatically improved the interior blocking. The only question remaining was whether GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson were done. Many believe that the left tackle is a position they also need to address seriously. Braxton Jones won’t be ready for training camp. Kiran Amegadjie remains a project. Finding a true long-term solution at such an important spot might be wise. That is where Will Campbell comes in.
The LSU left tackle has been one of the best in the country for the past three years. He blocked some of the best pass rushers in college football, helping Jayden Daniels win the Heisman in 2023. However, his shorter-than-preferred arms had many wondering if he could slip to the Bears at 10th overall. There is a belief around the league that Chicago would probably take him in such a scenario, but Johnson doesn’t stress length as much as some coaches might. Adam Schefter of ESPN informed Windy City Gridiron of his thoughts on the matter.
Put simply? Don’t bet on it.
“First of all, [the Bears] gave up 68 sacks last year,” Schefter mentioned. “They’ve led the league in sacks allowed the last three years, I believe. They have gone out and traded for Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and added Drew Dalman, so they’ve solidified the interior part of their offensive line. If somehow Will Campbell slid to No. 10 — which I don’t expect — to me, it’s a no-brainer. You take Campbell, you’re slotting him in, you’re protecting your quarterback, and you move forward like that. That’s an easy [pick]. That’s why I just can’t imagine Will Campbell getting out of the [top 10], because at the very worst, Chicago, I would think, would have to take that guy if he were there at 10, and I don’t think he’s going to be there.”
There are too many obstacles between Will Campbell and the Bears.
Several teams in the top 10 have issues on the offensive line. The New England Patriots (#4) are the most obvious. Drake Maye was harassed all season. Jacksonville (#5) has notable concerns along its interior. They may see Will Campbell as a perfect solution at guard. Last but not least is the New York Jets (#7). They have a notable void at right tackle. They may feel they can move Olu Fashanu to that side and put Campbell at left tackle. It is hard to imagine the standout blocker slipping through that net to reach #10, especially with so few quarterbacks expected to go early. Outside of Cam Ward, it is looking like nobody else will go before #9. Schefter is correct. Chicago might do best to prepare for the eventuality that Campbell won’t be available.
Campbell might now be available at #10 but the video shows he’s capable of being a good left tackle despite his 33-inch arm length.
Gena, Yes it was a mistake for Pace to take White @ 7. No one knew hed be this injury prone. My wife and I went to the draft & were pissed that Pace took White. I was working out of town and drove 300 miles to pick her up and go all the way downtown to see the draft live. When the obvious choices were gone I wanted them to pick Todd Gurley. I was pretty sure Matt Forte was not gonna do anything. The thing I don’t understand is why you always wanna dive back into the past… Read more »
Adam Schefter is usually on top of things. But he has also been known to be wrong, and it’s not a clear cut path who gets picked and as we all know all the GM’s including Poles make last-minute swerves so just because he said it’s highly unlikely that Will Campbell isn’t there at 10, It’s entirely possible he is there and maybe the Bears even pass on him, and pick somebody else. No one knows. Cause this is the most indirect line of projection in the first rd of the draft in years. So all we can do is… Read more »
I’m predicting that the Bears trade back into the first round to get Conerly. He absolutely locked down Abdul Carter. He would be a reach at 10 but not too many saw our Wright as a top 10 pick so maybe the Bears absolutely love him for LT?
Eeew! That 2015 draft was bad overall. History gives Pace a pass on White. Pace will forever be known as the guy that thought Mitch was better than Mahomes.
@David, I was all over Brock Purdy in the 1st round. Many all-nighters spent researching