Why Nolan Rucci Is The Sleeper Name You Better Circle For Bears In 1st Round
If you asked Chicago Bears fans what the priority will be for the team going into the 2026 NFL draft, most of them would say defense. They have no safeties under contract next year, need a revamp at linebacker, and sorely require a dynamic defensive lineman of some kind. Besides, GM Ryan Poles has not selected a defensive player in the 1st round once in his tenure to date. That must change if they want the unit to reach championship-ready status. The problem is that head coach Ben Johnson has the final say on personnel decisions, and he may have different designs on that 1st round pick in April. He seems obsessed with finding a left tackle. Unfortunately, finding one that late is difficult. Enter Nolan Ricci.
A few things we’ve learned about Johnson are that he likes his blockers big, strong, tough, and technically sound. They must be able to anchor in pass protection and have the lower-body strength to drive defenders in the run game. The two archetypes he’s been exposed to the most are Taylor Decker in Detroit and Laremy Tunsil in Miami. Ricci isn’t getting much 1st round buzz right now, but if you look at his scouting reports, there is a strong possibility he will go higher than people realize.
This feels like a Johnson guy.
Elite length and frame give him natural advantages at the point of attack; his 6-foot-8 build with 80-inch reach creates problems for shorter edge rushers trying to corner him. Sets a wide, low base in pass protection that makes him difficult to bull rush; defenders struggle to generate push against his anchor when his feet are set.
Initial punch arrives with accuracy and pop; when he lands his hands inside, he can jolt defenders and control the engagement from snap to whistle.Executes combo blocks effectively and can climb to the second level on zone concepts; showed ability to scrape linebackers and lead on screen plays at Penn State. Patient in pass sets and trusts his length; does not lunge or guess against speed rushers, letting them come to him before redirecting. Absolutely mauled overmatched competition when he could get position; turns defenders completely out of running lanes with sustained drive blocking.
Football bloodlines show in his preparation habits; consistently praised as one of the first players in the facility and last to leave the meeting room. Tough and physical demeanor at the point of attack; plays with an edge and shows willingness to finish blocks through the whistle in the run game.
Nolan Rucci is eager to carry on the family legacy.
His father, Todd Rucci, was a standout guard for the New England Patriots in the 1990s, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 1996. So you already know Nolan has been well-instructed on how to play offensive line even before he got to college. It shows in his fundamentals and preparation. The core issue for evaluators over the past few years was whether the big tackle could overcome his slower feet, which hampered him in pass protection. Based on the tape from this past season, he has made significant strides in that department.
There is no doubt Nolan Rucci feels like a Ben Johnson guy. He’s big, has great length, displays plenty of power, plays with a nasty edge, and seems comfortable in vertical sets, which fits the type of offense the Bears run. He still needs more polishing, but there is more than enough talent there for him to become a mainstay on any offensive line. The point is, don’t get too set on the Bears going defensive line at #25 a few months from now. If Johnson doesn’t like the prognosis of Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury, he may go after Rucci.