Brick by Brick: Bears Build a Fortress Around Caleb Williams
Draft season is here, and the Chicago Bears are staring down one of the most pivotal drafts in recent memory. After landing Caleb Williams, the Bears aren’t just rebuilding — they’re setting the stage for a new era. Under the sharp eye of GM Ryan Poles and the innovative mind of new head coach Ben Johnson, the goal is clear: protect the quarterback, win in the trenches, and build a contender that lasts.
This seven-round mock leans into that vision — gritty, smart, and built to last. Here's how the Bears could shape the future, one pick at a time:
Round 1, Pick 10
Kelvin Banks Jr. – OT, Texas
Williams needs a wall in front of him, and Banks is the blueprint. Long, athletic, and already battle-tested in the Big 12, he’s a plug-and-play option at left tackle with All-Pro upside.
Outlook: Franchise protector — sets the tone up front from Day 1.
Round 2, Pick 39 (via CAR)
Donovan Jackson – G, Ohio State
Jackson brings brute strength and high-level experience from one of college football’s premier lines. His versatility and tenacity make him a perfect fit for a Bears unit that’s still searching for consistency inside.
Outlook: Instant starter at left guard, with center flexibility down the road.
Round 2, Pick 41
Jack Sawyer – EDGE, Ohio State
Poles loves high-upside defenders, and Sawyer fits the mold — athletic, explosive, and relentless off the edge. He’s the kind of rotational rusher who could pop by midseason.
Outlook: Energetic disruptor — ideal complement to Sweat on third downs.
Round 3, Pick 72
Andrew Mukuba – S, Texas
With Eddie Jackson out of the picture, Mukuba steps in as a versatile DB who can fly around and make plays. His instincts and ball skills could help him grow into a starting role quickly.
Outlook: Versatile chess piece in a young, evolving secondary.
Round 5, Pick 147
Jonah Monheim – C, USC
This one’s all about comfort. Monheim protected Williams at USC and brings brains, technique, and chemistry. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable — and that’s gold in the trenches.
Outlook: Steady interior lineman who could steal a starting role by 2026.
Round 6, Pick 195 (via PIT)
David Walker – EDGE, Central Arkansas
Thirty sacks in three seasons? Walker is a small-school standout with big-league upside. He’s a raw athlete who could explode with the right coaching.
Outlook: High-motor rotational pass rusher and special teams demon.
Round 7, Pick 232 (via CLE)
Robert Longerbeam – CB, Rutgers
Longerbeam brings speed and special teams chops to the table — traits that give late-round picks a shot to stick. He’s twitchy, aggressive, and built to carve out a role early.
Outlook: Slot CB and special teams standout-in-the-making.
The Bottom Line
This mock draft isn’t flashy — it’s focused. It mirrors the philosophy of a front office that’s tired of starting over. It’s about protecting the future (Caleb), controlling the line of scrimmage, and adding playmakers who fit the culture being built in Chicago.
If Poles and Johnson can pull off a draft like this, it won’t just be a good class — it’ll be the foundation of a real contender.
