The Chicago Bears are gearing up for one of the most crucial drafts in recent history. With a young quarterback, Caleb Williams, at the helm, and an array of draft capital, the 2025 NFL Draft could set the foundation for the future of this storied franchise. With strategic selections across multiple rounds, the Bears will aim to bolster key areas such as the offensive line, pass rush, and skill positions to build a more competitive roster.
Let’s take a deep dive into the Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft prospects, their needs, and how their selections might unfold.
Team Overview
2024 Season Recap
The Bears entered the 2024 season with optimism, particularly with their commitment to rebuilding around Caleb Williams. Williams, the promising quarterback from USC, showcased flashes of brilliance but faced significant challenges due to a lackluster offensive line and inconsistency from his supporting cast. Despite his potential, the team ended the season with a record that left much to be desired, failing to make any significant push in the NFC North.
The offensive line struggled with pass protection, leading to an alarming number of sacks and pressures. In particular, the left tackle position was a point of concern, and with the injury to Braxton Jones, the team’s ability to protect Williams’ blindside was questionable at best.
On defense, while there were flashes of individual brilliance, such as from linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the team struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The defensive line, particularly the edge-rushing unit, proved ineffective in pressuring opposing offenses.
In terms of skill players, the Bears were hampered by injuries and inconsistency, which led to the departure of key players like Keenan Allen. DJ Moore, while a reliable target, was often left alone as the primary receiving option. The running back position was also in flux, with D’Andre Swift slated to start but little depth behind him.
Despite these struggles, the team has continued to focus on long-term development, with Ryan Poles at the helm as general manager. Poles is keenly aware that the 2025 NFL Draft will be an essential part of rebuilding the roster around Williams and improving the team’s overall competitiveness.
Key Areas of Need
As the Bears enter the draft, there are several areas where the team must focus its attention. With the first selection of their draft falling at the 10th overall position, the Bears have a strong opportunity to address some of their most glaring weaknesses.
1. Offensive Line:
The offensive line is easily the most pressing need for the Bears. Williams’ development will be hindered if the team fails to protect him adequately. The Bears’ offensive line struggled last season, surrendering 39 sacks and 199 total pressures—both of which ranked near the bottom of the NFL.
Although the Bears bolstered their interior offensive line with the additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via free agency, the left tackle spot remains an open question. Braxton Jones, who is entering a contract year, is coming off an ankle injury and is not a lock to be the long-term solution at left tackle.
There is no doubt that one of the Bears’ primary goals in this draft will be to add a franchise-caliber left tackle who can protect Williams’ blindside for years to come.
2. Edge Rusher:
The Bears’ defense needs an infusion of pass-rushing talent. While they have some solid pieces, including linebacker Roquan Smith, their edge-rushing unit has been unable to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This inability to rush the passer has led to the defense giving up far too many yards and points.
The addition of an edge rusher in the draft will help improve the defense’s ability to disrupt the quarterback, which will in turn make the secondary’s job much easier. Ideally, the Bears would love to add a player who can come in and make an immediate impact on this unit.
3. Running Back:
With the departure of several key players and a lack of depth behind D’Andre Swift, the Bears could also look to add a running back. Swift is the starter for now, but the Bears need more stability and depth at the position, especially given the team’s offensive line struggles.
If the Bears can add a dynamic running back in this draft, it could give them a reliable backfield option that will allow them to be more balanced on offense. This would relieve some of the pressure on Williams and make the offense more difficult to predict.
4. Wide Receiver:
While the Bears have a solid receiving option in DJ Moore, they lack depth at the wide receiver position. With Keenan Allen’s departure, the team will need to bolster their receiving corps to help take some pressure off Moore. Adding another reliable weapon to the offense would provide Williams with more options and prevent defenses from focusing solely on Moore.
The Bears have a variety of needs in the wide receiver room, from a big-bodied possession receiver to someone who can stretch the field and provide a vertical threat.
Draft Capital
The Bears are well-positioned in the 2025 NFL Draft, holding multiple early-round picks that should allow them to make substantial improvements across the board. Here’s a breakdown of their draft capital:
- First Round: 10th overall
- Second Round: 39th (from Carolina), 41st
- Third Round: 72nd overall
- Fifth Round: 148th overall
- Seventh Round: 233rd (from Cincinnati), 240th (from Minnesota through Cleveland)
The Bears will have plenty of opportunities to address their needs with these selections, and given that they also have multiple picks in the second round, they could be in a position to trade up or down depending on how the draft board falls.
Potential Draft Targets
Given the Bears’ needs and draft positioning, here are several prospects that could be high on their radar in the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. Armand Membou, OT, Oregon
One of the top offensive line prospects in this draft, Armand Membou is widely regarded as the most natural left tackle available. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a great fit for the Bears’ offensive line needs. With the 10th overall pick, the Bears could very well pull the trigger on Membou to protect Williams’ blindside.
2. Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Another top-tier offensive tackle prospect, Josh Conerly has shown excellent technique and pass protection skills during his time at Oregon. The Bears have shown interest in him, having hosted Conerly for a Top 30 visit. Selecting Conerly at the 10th spot would be a logical move, and he could instantly step in as the team’s starting left tackle.
3. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
As the Bears look to improve their secondary, Jahdae Barron of Texas stands out as a physical, versatile cornerback who could make an immediate impact. Barron is a leader and a strong zone coverage player with the ability to match up against both big and small receivers. His addition would help bolster a Bears secondary that could use a bit more stability.
4. Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
A versatile offensive lineman capable of playing multiple positions, Grey Zabel could add depth to the Bears’ offensive line. While he may not be a first-round pick, he could be a strong value selection in the second or third rounds, offering the flexibility to play guard or tackle.
5. Isaiah McClain, WR, Alabama
If the Bears choose to address their wide receiver needs in the first or second round, Isaiah McClain from Alabama could be an intriguing option. McClain is a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and provide a big-play threat alongside DJ Moore. Adding a player like McClain would give Williams more options in the passing game and open up the offense.
6. KJ Barrett, Edge, LSU
An explosive pass rusher with a relentless motor, KJ Barrett from LSU could be an excellent fit for the Bears’ defensive front. Barrett has shown the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and his addition would provide an immediate upgrade to the Bears’ pass rush. If the Bears are unable to land an edge rusher in the early rounds, Barrett could be a steal in the middle rounds.
Strategic Considerations
As the draft approaches, the Bears will need to make some key decisions about how they approach their selections.
1. Trade Back Opportunities
If the Bears find that their top targets are off the board by the 10th pick, they could look to trade back in the draft to accumulate more picks. Trading back would allow them to address multiple needs in the draft, possibly picking up extra second-round or third-round picks that could be used to target offensive linemen, receivers, or pass rushers.
2. Best Player Available vs. Need
While filling immediate needs should be a priority, the Bears should not ignore the best player available on the board. Taking a player who can contribute immediately, even if they don’t perfectly fit a need, could provide long-term value to the team. As they continue to build for the future, the Bears should remain flexible in their strategy and be willing to take advantage of any opportunities that arise during the draft.