As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are preparing for a pivotal moment in their rebuilding process. The draft represents a critical opportunity for the Bears to continue improving their roster, address key positional needs, and build a competitive team around their young quarterback, Justin Fields. One of the most exciting aspects of the draft process is the pre-draft visits that teams conduct, particularly the “Top-30” visits. These visits allow NFL teams to bring in top draft prospects for a closer look, which helps them evaluate both the physical and mental aspects of these players.
The Chicago Bears, under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles, have focused on building a well-rounded team, with particular emphasis on bolstering their offense and defense. The team has several positional needs, including wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and secondary, and the draft will be an essential part of their strategy moving forward. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the players the Bears are inviting to their pre-draft Top-30 visits for the 2025 NFL Draft and explore how these visits will play a role in shaping the team’s future.
What Are Top-30 Visits?
Before we dive into the specifics of the 2025 draft prospects the Chicago Bears are targeting, it’s important to understand what the “Top-30” visits mean in the NFL Draft process. These visits are a unique part of the pre-draft evaluation process where teams can bring in up to 30 draft prospects to their facilities for in-person meetings, workouts, and interviews. The purpose of these visits is to give teams a deeper insight into the player’s physical capabilities, personality, work ethic, and overall fit within the team culture.
During these visits, prospects go through a series of evaluations, including one-on-one interviews with coaches, general managers, and scouts. Teams also conduct extensive medical checks and psychological assessments to better understand the potential risks and rewards associated with drafting a particular player. Additionally, these visits offer prospects an opportunity to interact with team personnel, allowing the team to assess the player’s character and how they would mesh with the current locker room.
For the Chicago Bears, the Top-30 visits are an essential part of the evaluation process, as they help the front office get a clearer picture of which players could be the best fits for their roster moving forward.
The Bears’ Positional Needs Heading into the 2025 Draft
Before discussing which players the Chicago Bears are inviting to their Top-30 visits, it’s important to first understand what positions the team is targeting in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the Bears are still in the process of building their roster, several areas of weakness need to be addressed to help make the team more competitive. Here are a few of the positions the Bears are focusing on in the 2025 draft:
- Wide Receiver: The Bears have struggled to surround Justin Fields with a top-tier group of pass catchers. Although Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet have shown flashes, the team needs a true number-one wide receiver to complement Fields’ strengths as a dynamic playmaker. The Bears will likely target this position early in the draft to provide Fields with the weapons he needs to thrive.
- Offensive Line: Protecting Justin Fields and creating running lanes for the Bears’ backs will be a top priority in 2025. The team has seen inconsistent play along the offensive line in recent seasons, which has hindered their offensive success. Adding depth and talent to the offensive line will be key for the Bears as they look to develop a more balanced offense.
- Defensive Line: The Bears’ defense has shown promise but lacks elite pass rushers and interior disruption. Adding a dynamic edge rusher or powerful defensive tackle will help bolster the front seven, making them a more formidable unit against both the run and the pass.
- Secondary: The Bears’ secondary, while improving, could use additional depth and talent. Whether it’s a cornerback who can lock down opposing receivers or a safety with playmaking ability, the team needs to continue strengthening their defense on the back end.
Players the Chicago Bears Are Inviting to Pre-Draft Top-30 Visits
Based on the Bears’ needs and the draft class in 2025, there are several prospects who are expected to receive invitations to the team’s Top-30 visits. These players are potential fits for Chicago’s system, and their visits will be crucial in the team’s decision-making process. Below are a few notable players who are likely to be among the invitees for the Bears’ Top-30 visits.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Wide Receiver, Ohio State)
One of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in recent memory, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been on the radar of NFL teams since his dominant 2023 season at Ohio State. The 6’4”, 210-pound wide receiver has everything teams look for in a number-one option—size, speed, route-running precision, and elite ball skills. With Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet already in place, adding a player like Harrison would give Justin Fields an immediate top-tier weapon to elevate the Bears’ passing attack.
Harrison is widely considered a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but if the Bears are in a position to select him, he would provide an instant upgrade to their receiving corps. His ability to create separation and make plays in all areas of the field would be a game-changer for Chicago. If the Bears can land Harrison, they would give Fields the kind of dynamic playmaker that the quarterback has lacked during his early years in the NFL.
2. Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle, Georgia)
Jalen Carter is one of the most dominant defensive tackles in college football, known for his explosive power and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage. Standing at 6’3” and 310 pounds, Carter has the size to clog running lanes while also possessing the speed to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. His talent is undeniable, and he would instantly improve the Bears’ defensive front.
Adding a player like Carter would be a huge boost for the Bears’ defense, which has struggled at times to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With the team looking to build a formidable front seven, Carter’s ability to play both the run and pass makes him an ideal candidate for a high selection. His visit to Chicago would allow the Bears to assess his fit within their defensive scheme, and if they feel he’s the right player, he could be a cornerstone for years to come.
3. Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Offensive Tackle, Penn State)
Protecting Justin Fields is paramount for the Bears moving forward, and Olumuyiwa Fashanu is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 325 pounds, Fashanu is a physical specimen who has the athleticism to protect the quarterback’s blindside for years to come. He possesses excellent footwork, balance, and strength, making him a complete offensive tackle.
If the Bears are serious about solidifying their offensive line, Fashanu would be a perfect pick. Whether playing at left tackle or right tackle, he could be a day-one starter for Chicago, offering stability and protection for Fields. With the importance of keeping their young quarterback healthy and productive, a player like Fashanu could be a key component of the team’s success.
4. Kelee Ringo (Cornerback, Georgia)
Kelee Ringo is a standout cornerback with all the physical tools to be an elite NFL player. Standing at 6’2” and 210 pounds, Ringo has excellent size for a cornerback and the speed to keep up with any receiver in the league. His ability to read the quarterback and break on passes makes him a dangerous player in both man and zone coverage.
For the Bears, adding a cornerback like Ringo would give their defense a much-needed boost in the secondary. The team has a promising group of young players, but Ringo’s skills could help solidify the Bears’ defensive backfield. His versatility and playmaking ability would allow Chicago to be more aggressive in coverage and give them the ability to match up with some of the top wide receivers in the league.
5. Brock Bowers (Tight End, Georgia)
While the Bears already have a solid option in Cole Kmet, adding another elite tight end like Brock Bowers could further elevate their offensive weapons. Bowers is a dynamic athlete with the size (6’4”, 250 pounds) and athleticism to be a mismatch for defenders. Known for his ability to both block and catch passes, Bowers would provide a versatile option in the passing game, allowing the Bears to run multiple offensive schemes.
With Justin Fields still developing as a passer, adding a safety valve like Bowers could help the quarterback find success in critical situations. Bowers could be used in a variety of ways, both as a traditional tight end and as a slot receiver, providing the Bears with additional flexibility in their offensive play calling.