The Chicago Bears got off to a 4-2 start to the 2024 NFL season, but everything came crashing down following their Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders.
Chicago’s loss to Washington started a 10-game Bears losing streak during which the team struggled to score points. Rookie Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, posted solid counting stats but could not overcome relentless pressure he faced during his first NFL season.
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The Bears fired both head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron during their midseason collapse, but the team is hopeful its offseason switch to offensive wunderkind Ben Johnson will prove to be a head coaching upgrade.
Of course, Chicago has also spent a lot of resources upgrading its roster, particularly its offensive line, in free agency. That retooling process will continue during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Bears have a lot early draft capital, including three of the first 41 picks.
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Here’s everything to know about the Bears’ draft outlook ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft:
Bears 2025 NFL Draft picks
The Bears have seven picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Here’s the complete list:
- Round 1, Pick 10
- Round 2, Pick 39 (from Panthers)
- Round 2, Pick 41
- Round 3, Pick 72
- Round 5, Pick 148
- Round 7, Pick 233 (from Bengals)
- Round 7, Pick 240 (from Browns)
Bears 2025 NFL Draft needs
Edge rusher
The Bears had 40 sacks as a team in 2024, but no player had more than Montez Sweat‘s 5.5. Chicago needs to add more depth and talent to their edge rushing rotation even after signing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to start across from Sweat. Chicago should have plenty of edge rusher options to consider with the 10th overall selection, including Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart.
Running back
The Bears signed D’Andre Swift to a three-year free agent deal in 2024 but he disappointed in his first season. Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and failed to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards. He could bounce back, but Chicago would be wise to find an upgrade over him to take some pressure off Williams. Ashton Jeanty could draw consideration with the 10th pick while TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins could be second-round options for the Bears.
Offensive tackle
Chicago added three interior offensive linemen during free agency, trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney while signing center Drew Dalman to a big-money deal. Ben Johnson could still seek to upgrade the position after Williams was sacked 68 times as a rookie. If either Will Campbell or Armand Membou makes it to the 10th selection, the Bears could draft them to compete with Braxton Jones at left tackle.
Bears 2025 NFL mock draft
Here’s what the Bears could do come draft night, according to USA TODAY Sports’ Ayrton Ostly:
- Round 1, Pick 10: OT Kelvin Banks, Texas
- The Bears did well to bolster the offensive line (especially on the interior) for 2025 but they may not be long-term answers. Banks offers guard-tackle flexibility and could take his rookie season to develop before taking over at either spot in 2026 for pending free agents Joe Thuney and Braxton Jones.
- Round 2, Pick 39: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
- The Bears signed Grady Jarrett in free agency but he’s on the wrong side of 30. Williams could be an understudy as a rookie with great size and run defense skills.
- Round 2, Pick 41: Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas:
- Jackson tested very well at the combine as a long, explosive prospect off the edge. He’d fit what Dennis Allen typically likes off the edge size-wise and could develop in time to maximize his athleticism.
- Round 3, Pick 72: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
- Round 5, Pick 148: RB Devin Neal, Kansas
- Round 7, Pick 233: Edge Steve Linton, Baylor
- Round 7, Pick 240: CB Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina
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