Early Bears Three-Round 2025 Mock Draft: Giving Caleb Williams the Protection He Needs

Round 3, Pick 79: Parker Brailsford, Center, University of Alabama

Finally, with the Bears' third-round selection at No. 75, they are taking a center: Parker Brailsford out of the University of Alabama. Ever since Olin Kruetz, the Bears have desperately been looking for a long-term solution at the center.

In the short term, Coleman Shelton Ryan Bates, Sam Mustipher, and Doug Kramer are not efficient options. Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick are not reliable alternatives as well. It is time for general manager Ryan Poles to invest in a long-term solution at the position.

Brailsford provides the Bears with a quarterback of sorts on the offensive line. He is a guy who can read the defense, call the plays, and give the Bears the long-term solution.

According to a scouting report by Keith Sanchez of the Draft Network, " Brailsford is a high-IQ, athletic interior offensive lineman who plays with an element of grit and toughness needed to be a leader of an offensive line unit. Brailsford's athletic ability and football instincts serve as key foundational traits for him to be productive as both a run blocker and in pass protection." 

Something noteworthy is that Brailsford performed as the second-highest-graded center in college football during the 2023 season. The only player to perform at a higher level was the now-drafted Oregon Duck, Jackson Powers-Johnson, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Powers-Johnson was scouted heavily by the Bears at his pro day and you can expect the same for Brailsford. Outside of Darnell Wright, the Chicago Bears do not have any long-term solutions on the offensive line. Brailsford has experience in a playoff environment, so he won't falter under the pressure.

Before transferring to Alabama, he was a part of the University of Washington football program that appeared in the College Championship game. With experience in the playoffs and playing time with current Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, it sounds like a healthy combination that the Bears can add to their deficient offensive line.

Many may argue that the Bears would sit Brailsford for a year, so quarterback Caleb Williams has a veteran to snap the ball for him. However, the playoff and college experience should allow Brailsford to make the jump and transition to the NFL an easy one.

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