Bears Bring In Top Offensive Tackle for Pre-Draft Visit

Chicago's meeting with Utah's Caleb Lomu hints at draft plans to solidify the left tackle position.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an offensive line in motion, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, orange, and white conveying the complexity and importance of the position.The Bears' search for a long-term left tackle solution is reflected in the team's evaluation of draft prospect Caleb Lomu, a key piece of their offensive line puzzle.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears hosted Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu for a top-30 pre-draft visit, signaling the team's interest in addressing the critical left tackle position in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lomu is projected as a potential first or second-round pick and is viewed as one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in this year's class.

Why it matters

Protecting franchise quarterback Caleb Williams' blindside is a top priority for the Bears, who have seen recent turnover at the left tackle spot. Lomu's visit indicates Chicago is thoroughly evaluating options to find a long-term solution at the position, especially with uncertainty surrounding the recovery of current starter Ozzy Trapilo.

The details

Lomu, a two-year starter at left tackle for Utah, earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and did not allow a sack that season. He is praised for his athleticism, movement skills, and intelligence, which project well to the NFL. However, he could use added functional strength and more consistent aggression in the run game.

  • The Bears hosted Lomu for a top-30 pre-draft visit on Friday, April 14, 2026.
  • Lomu is projected to be selected in either the first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Caleb Lomu

A left tackle prospect from the University of Utah who is viewed as one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' franchise quarterback, whose blindside protection is a top priority for the team.

Ozzy Trapilo

The Bears' current starting left tackle, who suffered a significant patellar tendon injury late last season, creating uncertainty around his long-term outlook.

Braxton Jones

An offensive lineman the Bears re-signed this offseason to help stabilize the offensive line.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lomu has emerged as one of the more compelling left tackle prospects in this year's draft class. A two-year starter at left tackle for Utah, he earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and did not allow a sack during that season, demonstrating his effectiveness as a blindside protector.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

What’s next

The Bears will continue to evaluate Lomu and other offensive line prospects as they determine their draft strategy, balancing the need to protect Caleb Williams with other roster priorities on the defensive side of the ball.

The takeaway

The Bears' decision to host Caleb Lomu for a top-30 visit underscores their commitment to finding a long-term solution at left tackle, a critical position for protecting their franchise quarterback. While the team has made offseason moves to stabilize the offensive line, the uncertainty around Ozzy Trapilo's recovery has them thoroughly exploring their options, including potentially targeting Lomu in the early rounds of the draft.