The Chicago Bears could pull off a relative surprise in the 2026 NFL Draft, with former Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu on their radar.
Landing Lomu could require some ingenuity on Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ part.
The Bears own seven picks in this year’s draft as of April 15, with their first pick coming at 25th overall following their strong season. They also face a significant question on the offensive line that Lomu can help address.
Bears Linked to Former Utah OT Caleb Lomu Before Draft
Caleb Lomu on Bears’ Draft Radar
The Bears face questions at left tackle as Ozzy Trapilo recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon that figures to cost him most, if not all, of the 2026 season and threatens to alter his career arc.
That is where Lomu could factor in for the Bears.
“Utah OL Caleb Lomu spent last night with the #49ers (27th) on a Top 30 visit, as SF continues to do work on the top OLs. Imagine Lomu is a possible … trade-up target,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on April 15.
“He spent time with the #Rams, #Panthers, #Texans, #Bears, #Lions, #Browns, #Chiefs, #Eagles and #Dolphins.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Lomu as OT5 with a first or second-round grade.
“Lomu must get stronger and continue to develop his technique and grit, but NFL teams are understandably intrigued by his movement ability and ready-to-cultivate left tackle skill set,” Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide. “His upside points to him becoming an NFL starter.”
Trapilo is a former second-round pick himself, so the Bears potentially spending another premium draft choice on the same position would seemingly loom large for the second-year man’s outlook.
Caleb Lomu Compared to Long-Time Starter
The Bears would not need to turn to Lomu right away, with Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet both on hand and having starting experience.
Lomu could also prove to be the solution at LT that the Bears hoped Trapilo was becoming.
“Two-year starting left tackle who is still in the early stages of his development. Utah’s run game leaned heavily on movement and misdirection, preventing Lomu from firing out and showing his power,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile on Lomu.
“Run blocking trails his pass protection, but improved pad level and a nastier demeanor could close the gap. In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in. His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average. Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching.
Zierlein compared Lomu to former Pittsburgh Steelers and current Tennessee Titans starter Dan Moore Jr.
Whether the Bears would need to move up for Lomu remains unclear.
Bears Projected to Pass on OT Help in Round 1
Notably, though, Brugler mocked Lomu to the 49ers at 27th overall, projecting the Bears to select Clemson pass rusher T.J. Parker.
“The Bears have the edge rushers to line up today and play competitive football, but they would love to add another talented pass rusher to their rotation,” Brugler wrote on April 15. “Parker didn’t quite have the 2025 season many expected, but his motor and leveraged power led to disruption against the pass and run.”
The Bears’ pass rush was non-threatening last season, and getting consistent pressure off the edge was a key part of that. Be it someone like Lomu or Parker, the Bears seem like strong candidates to target a trench player early in the draft.