In 2017, we had an exclusive with the late, great Dick Butkus at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. During one portion of that wide-ranging interview, Butkus said he doesn't know "what the hell" keeps the Bears from reaching their potential.
There is no short answer to that question, but the closest thing to a quick answer for that query is, simply, the quarterback position. However, this is no longer an issue with Caleb Williams.
He's the real deal, and it's obvious. He also plays the game with cajones, or stones. Or others might say chutzpah or grit. And given that, you need to make sure he's protected. You need elite level depth and quality to make sure he stays upright.
Let's look at some of the top personal protector prospects who
might be in range for them.
Trevor Lauck, Iowa
The Hawkeyes have a great history of supplying the Bears with talent, and that works on a couple levels, given how Chicago's teams are basically Iowa's pro teams. And say what you want about Iowa's offense (and we do say a lot about them), but they are top notch in producing o-linemen.
Lauck started all thirteen games at left tackle last season, allowing only six pressures and drawing only three penalties, in 300+ pass-blocking opportunities.
Iowa claimed the Joe Moore Award, which goes to the nation's best offensive line unit.
Carter Smith, Indiana
For Smith, his CV kind of just writes itself. He led the way on the offensive line for the nation's first 16-0 team since 1894 Yale. The big left tackle was an Outland Trophy semifinalist and the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year (which goes to the Big Ten's best individual OL) in 2025.
One could argue that he has the best pass-blocking tape to convey to scouts, in the entire 2027 class.
Cayden Green, Missouri
His pass pro is among the best in this class, and the run blocking isn't too far behind. Green began his college career at Oklahoma, but it wasn't the right fit. When he transferred back to his home state of Missouri, his development went on a positive overall trajectory.
NFL scouts will love the fact that he just keeps getting better every season.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 3 offensive tackle prospects that could fit in with the Chicago Bears
