As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most talked-about teams heading into the offseason is the Chicago Bears. With the 9th overall pick in the upcoming draft, they have an excellent opportunity to address several key areas of need on their roster. While their primary focus might be on bolstering their offensive line and giving quarterback Justin Fields more protection, there’s another critical position that deserves attention—the linebacker corps.
The Chicago Bears have long been associated with a stout defense, from the iconic “Monsters of the Midway” to the more recent units built around players like Roquan Smith and Khalil Mack. However, the linebacker position has undergone significant changes in recent years, and heading into the 2025 draft, the Bears find themselves in a position where they need to rebuild and improve their linebacker unit to remain competitive in the NFC North.
In 2023, the Bears began the rebuilding process under head coach Matt Eberflus, focusing on improving their defense after a disappointing 2022 season. The addition of free-agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was one of the team’s biggest moves, a splash acquisition that came with a four-year, $72 million deal. The Bears were hoping Edmunds would provide leadership and playmaking ability at the position, along with his ability to patrol the middle of the defense and anchor the second level.
Edmunds, who had been a standout linebacker with the Buffalo Bills, was a key addition for Chicago. However, there’s no denying that the Bears’ linebacker group is still in a transition period. While Edmunds has certainly made an impact, the team still has questions surrounding his running mate at linebacker and whether additional reinforcements are needed. In 2023, the Bears struggled to find a consistent and reliable partner for Edmunds in the middle of their defense. Players like Jack Sanborn, who showed flashes of potential as an undrafted free agent, and rookie linebacker Terrell Bernard have contributed at times, but neither has solidified themselves as the long-term answer alongside Edmunds.
When considering the linebacker position, the biggest question is whether the Bears are set at linebacker or if they need to invest in another starter through the draft. With Edmunds under contract for the foreseeable future, the team will likely be looking for someone who can complement him, someone who can contribute immediately and help the team improve on defense. As they enter the 2025 draft, the linebacker class is considered to be deep, with several high-level prospects who could potentially make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Chicago is in a prime position to address the position and give themselves an upgrade in their pursuit of defensive improvement.
The ideal scenario for the Bears would be to pair Edmunds with a linebacker who excels in coverage, as Edmunds is known more for his ability to stop the run and his sideline-to-sideline range. The NFL is becoming an increasingly pass-heavy league, and having a linebacker who can cover ground in both the passing game and run game is invaluable. The addition of a young linebacker who can take on those responsibilities would give the Bears a dynamic duo at the position and provide them with a huge advantage in terms of versatility and scheme flexibility.
One option for the Bears in the first round could be a player like Illinois linebacker Jalen Carter. Carter is a prototypical linebacker who has an exceptional combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He has the ability to take on blockers in the run game and is also an exceptional pass rusher, a trait that would immediately translate to the NFL. Carter excels in coverage as well, which would make him an excellent fit next to Edmunds. His athleticism, along with his ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage, would add another layer of playmaking ability to Chicago’s defense. However, Carter is still considered a raw prospect, and his ability to adapt to the speed of the NFL is something to monitor.
Another potential prospect the Bears should have their eyes on is Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. While Campbell is considered to be a more traditional inside linebacker, his smarts, leadership, and ability to read plays set him apart as one of the best in the draft. He would immediately bring stability to the linebacker corps and help fill the void left by an inconsistent 2023 linebacker group. Although Campbell may not have the same athletic upside as some of the other prospects, he is a highly instinctive player who consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time. His leadership and experience would bring an additional level of maturity to the Bears’ defense, and his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations would provide a much-needed boost to the team’s pass defense.
The Bears could also consider targeting a linebacker in the later rounds, looking for a hidden gem who could develop into a long-term starter. A player like Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman could be an intriguing option. Stutsman has shown significant improvement during his college career, particularly in pass coverage, and his instincts are elite. While he may not be as polished as some of the higher-rated linebackers, he possesses an immense ceiling and could potentially develop into a key player for the Bears over time.
Another late-round option could be North Dakota State linebacker Mason Cobb, a hard-hitting, instinctive player who thrives in the box and is a reliable tackler. While he may not have the athleticism or flashiness of some of the other linebackers in this class, Cobb’s high football IQ and strong fundamentals make him an intriguing project for the Bears’ defense.
Looking at the overall state of the linebacker group, the Bears are in a somewhat fortunate situation, with Edmunds anchoring the defense as the primary linebacker, but there are still areas of concern. The team has some depth at linebacker, but there’s still a lack of high-end talent at the position, especially with the uncertainty around the other starting spot. The draft could be the perfect opportunity to address this issue and give Edmunds a true running mate to elevate the defense as a whole.
Ultimately, the Bears’ decision in the 2025 NFL Draft could come down to how they view the value of the linebacker position in their defensive scheme. With the growing importance of hybrid defenders and the need for players who can cover a wide variety of roles, finding a linebacker who can excel in coverage and as a playmaker will be paramount. Whether Chicago looks to address the position early with a high draft pick or takes a more patient approach, there are several exciting prospects in the draft class who could help revitalize the linebacker unit.
The Bears’ success in the 2025 draft will hinge on their ability to identify and develop talent at linebacker. While Edmunds provides a strong foundation, the team will need to invest in a complement for him in order to improve the overall defense. With the right move in the draft, the Chicago Bears could be well on their way to building a formidable linebacker corps that plays a key role in their success for years to come.