If the Chicago Bears were going to select an offensive lineman with their No. 10 overall pick, fans are already well aware of names like Will Campbell and Armand Membou. However, so is every team picking above the Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With teams always looking to bolster their offensive line, Campbell and Membou are considered two of the best prospect’s in the 2025 class. While both will be high on Chicago’s big board, there’s no guarantee that either are available when the franchise is on the clock.
Still, that doesn’t mean the Bears have to avoid offensive line completely. In fact, Chicago already has another target in mind should Campbell and Membou be unavailable. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports that Chicago is ‘enamored’ with Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr for what he brings on and off the gridiron.
“Josh Conerly Jr of Oregon could end up being chosen earlier than most predict, and the expected range for the junior is picks 10 to 25. And while the 10th pick, presently held by the Chicago Bears seems early, I’m told it’s a real possibility,” Pauline wrote. “The Bears are looking for a blocker who can play guard or tackle, and that perfectly describes Conerly. He’s presently the No. 1 guard on my board, yet many if not most teams project him at tackle.”
“I’m told the Bears not only like his skill on the field, but they became enamored with Conerly when he visited the franchise,” Pauline continued. “The three-year starter came across as a seasoned veteran and very professional. The other team that is very high on Conerly are the New Orleans Saints – though I’m told they would only take him if they trade back.”
What Josh Conerly Jr offers Chicago Bears
Conerly spent three years with Oregon, appearing in 41 total games. After appearing in all 13 games as a freshman, Conerly became the starting left tackle as a sophomore and never looked back. He ended his time with the Ducks as a First-team All-American and First-team All Big-Ten nominee.
The fact Conerly has so much experience at left tackle is very telling. Chicago’s lone weak spot across their offensive line is left tackle Braxton Jones. Selecting Conerly would provide immediate competition for the incumbent, and a potential stalwart on the offensive line for the foreseeable future. Especially if the Bears use the No. 10 pick on Conerly, that means they have high expectations for his NFL potential.
While he may not be as heralded as Campbell or Membou, Conerly is still a highly regarded lineman entering the 2025 draft. He received a comparison to longtime Los Angeles Rams lineman Joe Noteboom from Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report.
“Overall, Conerly has good athletic ability, recovery and zone run blocking skills with the range to protect the corner in pass protection against high-side, speed rushes,” Thorn wrote. “He shows erratic strike timing and mediocre play strength that saps his anchor, indicating a best fit inside a zone-based run scheme where he can earn a starting tackle job as a rookie and become a solid starter.”
It would be a shock to many if Conerly’s name was called at No. 10. But general manager knows he can’t afford to take any chances entering his second head coach hire. If Chicago puts the lineman’s name down, they’re fully confident he will blossom into a starting offensive lineman sooner rather than later.
Bears continue to bolster offensive line
The Bears allowed a league-leading 68 sacks during Caleb Williams’ rookie season. Once the offseason begun, Chicago was aggressive in fixing the issue. The team traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney before signing center Drew Dalman.
Jackson has experience playing under Johnson, even making the Pro Bowl in 2021. Thuney is a four-time Super Bowl champion and is coming off of back-to-back All-Pro campaigns. Dalman was the most coveted center in free agency after ranking fourth/64 centers with a 78.8 grade from Pro Football Focus.
While the additions make the Bears stronger on paper, Chicago doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned. While the team is adamant about signing Thuney to an extension, he is a free agent after the season. Jackson must prove himself despite his Johnson connected. And Jones remains a true question mark at left tackle.
The Bears are a true wild card in the draft and have numerous different routes they can take. While drafting Conerly may be an obscure choice at first, it could be the decision that ensures Williams stays upright in the pocket long-term.
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