As the Chicago Bears approach the 2025 NFL Draft, the team finds itself in an enviable position with the No. 10 overall pick. After making significant strides under General Manager Ryan Poles, the Bears are looking to build upon their progress and solidify their roster for the future. With the No. 10 pick, they have the opportunity to target a player who can make an immediate impact, while also providing long-term value for the franchise. The Bears have a variety of needs, ranging from offensive line help to defensive playmakers, and they are in a prime position to select a player who can address one of those needs.
While the Bears are likely to explore trade options, either to move up or down in the draft, the No. 10 pick offers an exciting opportunity to select a talented player who can contribute right away. Given the current state of their roster and the depth of talent in the 2025 draft class, here are the five most realistic options for the Bears at No. 10 in the NFL Draft.
One of the Bears’ most pressing needs is bolstering their offensive line to better protect their young quarterback, Caleb Williams. A strong offensive line is essential for the success of any quarterback, especially a rookie or second-year player, and Johnson could be the perfect addition to the Bears’ front five. Johnson is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft and would be an immediate upgrade for the Bears.
At 6’6″ and 313 pounds, Johnson has the size and athleticism to excel at the NFL level. He has been a standout at Ohio State, consistently demonstrating the ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open up running lanes. Johnson is known for his powerful punch and ability to move defenders off the ball, both of which are essential skills for a successful NFL tackle. His ability to protect the edge would be crucial for ensuring that Caleb Williams has the time he needs to make plays.
The Bears have already made moves to improve their offensive line this offseason, but adding a player of Johnson’s caliber would give them a potential cornerstone for the future. With the Bears’ offensive line still a work in progress, Johnson could be the player who helps solidify the front line for years to come. Drafting Johnson at No. 10 would give the Bears a dynamic, versatile offensive lineman who could start immediately and grow into one of the best tackles in the league.
While the Bears have made significant improvements to their defense over the past few seasons, they still have areas that need strengthening, particularly along the defensive line. Jalen Carter, one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2025 draft, could be the perfect fit for the Bears at No. 10. Known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt the pocket, Carter is one of the most highly touted defensive players in the entire draft class.
At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, Carter has the size and strength to dominate against both the run and the pass. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback from the interior would add a new dynamic to the Bears’ defense, which has been solid in recent years but lacks that elite pass-rush presence. Carter’s combination of power, quickness, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen, and he would immediately bolster the Bears’ defensive front.
For the Bears, who are focused on building a more aggressive and disruptive defense, Carter would be a perfect fit. Pairing him with veteran defenders like Roquan Smith and Eddie Jackson would give the Bears a formidable defense that could go toe-to-toe with the best offenses in the NFC. With an interior pass rush from Carter, the Bears’ defense would be significantly improved, giving them a more balanced team as they continue to build around Caleb Williams.
If the Bears miss out on Paris Johnson Jr. or if they decide to look for a different offensive tackle option, Broderick Jones from Georgia could be another excellent pick at No. 10. Jones, who helped anchor one of the best offensive lines in college football last season, has the tools to develop into a dominant force in the NFL.
Jones is a physical specimen at 6’4″ and 310 pounds, with the strength and agility to handle the demands of the NFL’s pass rushers. He’s known for his exceptional footwork and ability to move laterally, which makes him a strong candidate to protect Caleb Williams’ blind side. His aggressive playstyle and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage make him a potential top-tier NFL tackle, and his upside is tremendous.
The Bears’ offensive line has struggled to consistently protect their quarterbacks in recent seasons, and selecting Jones would help shore up that weakness. Given Jones’ high ceiling and potential for development, he could be a long-term answer at tackle for the Bears. His immediate impact as a rookie and his ability to develop into a cornerstone of the Bears’ offensive line make him a strong candidate for the No. 10 pick.
If the Bears opt to add a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, Tyree Wilson could be a compelling choice at No. 10. The Bears have been solid defensively in recent seasons, but they still lack a consistent pass rusher who can get to the quarterback on a regular basis. Wilson, who excelled at Texas Tech as an edge rusher, has the potential to fill that void.
Wilson stands at 6’6″ and 275 pounds, with an incredible combination of size, strength, and speed. His ability to rush the passer from the edge would give the Bears an immediate boost in their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, making him a perfect fit for Chicago’s defensive needs. His length and explosiveness allow him to wreak havoc on the edge, and his versatility gives the Bears the option to move him around in different pass-rush packages.
With Wilson on the edge, the Bears would have a dynamic pass rusher who could complement their existing defensive talent and elevate their pass rush to the next level. Pairing Wilson with players like Roquan Smith, who can cover ground in the middle, would give the Bears a formidable front-seven capable of disrupting offenses in the NFC North.
Although the Bears have made strides in the receiving game with the addition of DJ Moore and the continued development of Darnell Mooney, they could still use more weapons to complement Caleb Williams. DeVonta Smith, one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football, could be the perfect choice for the Bears at No. 10. While there are other wide receivers in the draft class who could also be considered at this spot, Smith’s combination of route-running ability, speed, and hands make him an elite prospect.
Smith’s ability to create separation and make plays in all areas of the field would provide an immediate upgrade to the Bears’ receiving corps. His intelligence and technical proficiency make him a polished route runner, while his agility allows him to create big plays after the catch. Pairing Smith with DJ Moore would give the Bears a potent one-two punch at wide receiver, helping to take some of the pressure off Caleb Williams and providing him with a true top-tier receiving corps.
the Bears are in an excellent position with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with several realistic options available that would improve their roster. Whether they go with an offensive tackle to protect Caleb Williams, a defensive playmaker to enhance their pass rush, or a wide receiver to provide more weapons for their young quarterback, the Bears’ choice at No. 10 will play a critical role in their future success. With Ryan Poles at the helm, the Bears are poised to make a smart, strategic selection that will strengthen the team for years to come.
