As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Chicago Bears are under the microscope of fans, analysts, and rival teams alike. After years of rebuilding, the team is finally in a position to make critical moves that could shape its future for the next decade. With a pivotal draft pick at #10 overall, the Bears have a chance to add a game-changing talent to their roster. But according to two trusted insiders, there is an unexpected position the team may target at this pick—one that has caught many off guard and is stirring up excitement and speculation throughout the Bears’ fanbase.
The 2025 draft is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With a loaded class of talent at various positions, the Bears’ front office is likely considering numerous possibilities to improve their roster. However, based on reports from two Chicago Bears insiders, the focus might not be where most fans expect. Instead of reinforcing the offensive line, adding another wide receiver, or bolstering the defensive line, the Bears might have their sights set on a completely unexpected position at #10.
The Insiders’ Revelation
The two insiders, who have been closely tracking the Bears’ draft strategy, have confirmed that the team is strongly considering selecting a cornerback with the #10 pick. This news has taken many by surprise, as the general consensus heading into the draft was that the Bears’ immediate needs—particularly at offensive line, wide receiver, and edge rusher—would take precedence. But according to these sources, the Bears’ front office sees a unique opportunity to lock down a long-term solution at cornerback, and it could happen much earlier than many expected.
The cornerback position is one that has often been overlooked in recent seasons. While the Bears have made strides in other areas of their defense, their secondary has remained a weak point, particularly at cornerback, where there has been a noticeable lack of elite talent. The 2025 NFL Draft is filled with high-level cornerback prospects, and the Bears are reportedly interested in several potential candidates. With the #10 pick, they could have the chance to land a player who could start immediately and make an immediate impact on their defense.
Why Cornerback?
At first glance, selecting a cornerback at #10 may seem like an unconventional move for the Bears, given their other pressing needs. However, upon closer inspection, this decision makes a lot of sense for a variety of reasons.
1. The Need for Stability in the Secondary
The Bears’ defense has struggled to consistently cover wide receivers on the outside, and their cornerback play has often been a source of frustration. While safety Jaquan Brisker has shown promise, and the addition of linebacker Roquan Smith has solidified the middle of the defense, the cornerback position has been in flux.
The Bears have not had a true shutdown corner since the days of Charles Tillman and Peanut Tillman, who anchored one of the league’s most formidable secondaries in the early 2000s. In recent years, the team has had to rely on a revolving door of cornerbacks, with mixed results. As a result, the Bears’ defense has struggled against high-powered passing attacks, often allowing opposing quarterbacks to exploit mismatches.
Adding a top-tier cornerback would bring much-needed stability to the secondary and improve the overall defense. The Bears could pair a new, young cornerback with veterans like Jaylon Johnson, who has shown flashes of being a solid starter but still lacks the consistency expected from a No. 1 corner.
2. The 2025 NFL Draft Class Is Deep in Cornerback Talent
The 2025 draft class features a wealth of talent at cornerback, and the Bears may feel that this is their best chance to secure a potential star at the position. The top cornerbacks in this class, such as Kelee Ringo (Georgia), Eli Ricks (Alabama), and Cam Smith (South Carolina), have all shown the ability to be shutdown corners at the collegiate level and could translate their skills to the NFL.
Kelee Ringo, in particular, has been a name that has consistently emerged as a potential top-10 pick. Standing 6’2″ with great speed and athleticism, Ringo is a physical cornerback who excels in both man-to-man and zone coverage. His ability to match up with the NFL’s top wide receivers from Day 1 could make him an immediate starter in Chicago’s defense.
Eli Ricks and Cam Smith also possess the skill set necessary to excel at the NFL level, offering an intriguing blend of size, technique, and playmaking ability. The Bears have a prime opportunity to select one of these elite cornerbacks at #10, and they may not want to pass it up.
3. Long-Term Strategy for a Stronger Defense
While the Bears’ offense has received much of the attention over the past few years—particularly with the development of quarterback Justin Fields—the defense remains the backbone of the team. Under head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears have taken a more aggressive, attacking approach, focusing on creating turnovers and pressuring the quarterback. However, the lack of consistent play on the back end has hindered their ability to be truly dominant.
By selecting a cornerback at #10, the Bears are making a long-term investment in their defense. Cornerbacks are often considered the cornerstone of a great defense, as they can shut down passing lanes and allow the pass rush to thrive. A lockdown corner can significantly alter the way opposing offenses approach the game, forcing quarterbacks to throw into tighter windows and giving the defensive line more opportunities to make plays.
Eberflus and Poles understand the importance of building a strong, balanced team, and adding an elite cornerback could go a long way toward improving Chicago’s defense. The Bears’ defense would become much more difficult to exploit, and the team could begin to challenge the NFC North’s top teams, including the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, for supremacy in the division.
4. The Value of Elite Cornerback Play
In today’s NFL, where high-flying offenses and elite quarterbacks dominate the league, cornerbacks are more important than ever. The ability to shut down top receivers is a critical factor in winning games, and the Bears are acutely aware of this. Look at teams like the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, who have built some of the most fearsome defenses in the NFL by investing heavily in their secondaries.
A top-tier cornerback can single-handedly change the trajectory of a game. Imagine the Bears being able to lock down an elite receiver like Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings or Darnell Mooney of the Bears’ own offense. This would give Chicago a competitive advantage against some of the top offenses in the league and elevate their defense to the next level.
By selecting a cornerback at #10, the Bears are not just addressing a position of need but also investing in the future of their defense. The ability to shut down opponents in the passing game will give the Bears’ defense a chance to dominate and force turnovers, which is the foundation of a winning football team.
What This Means for the Bears’ Draft Strategy
If the Bears do indeed select a cornerback at #10, it will significantly shape their overall draft strategy. Given the depth of talent available at other positions, such as offensive line, wide receiver, and edge rusher, the Bears may choose to address those needs with their remaining draft picks. They could focus on adding talent to the offensive line in the second and third rounds to protect Justin Fields and create more opportunities for the offense. Similarly, the wide receiver position is still a need for the team, and the Bears could look for a complementary weapon to DJ Moore in the middle rounds.
However, the decision to invest in a cornerback early would signal the Bears’ commitment to building a championship-level defense. Chicago would likely continue to prioritize defensive talent throughout the draft, adding depth to the secondary and pass rush, but securing a top cornerback would be their first priority.
The Impact on the Bears’ Long-Term Success
While the pick at #10 may surprise some, it could ultimately prove to be a turning point for the Bears. By addressing the cornerback position early in the draft, the team would be taking a step toward solidifying their defense for years to come. A young, elite cornerback could provide an anchor for the secondary, allowing the Bears to build their defense around a true shutdown player.
In the ever-evolving NFC North, where teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are improving on offense, the Bears need to adapt and evolve as well. A top-tier cornerback would provide the Bears with the tools to compete against high-powered offenses, ultimately making them a stronger, more balanced team.