As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears. With a critical year ahead in terms of player development and roster reconstruction, the Bears, under the leadership of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, are in a position to make impactful decisions that could shape the trajectory of their franchise for years to come. One of the most pressing questions for Bears fans and NFL analysts alike is whether the team will be a legitimate contender to move up in the 2025 draft, potentially trading up to secure a blue-chip player who could contribute immediately.
For a team that is in the midst of a rebuild, the Bears have made several important steps forward, notably securing a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields and improving their offensive and defensive lines. However, while there is optimism surrounding the team’s future, the Bears also face challenges as they aim to become true contenders in the NFC North. The 2025 NFL Draft could be a critical moment for them to make a leap toward becoming a competitive force. But will they be aggressive enough to move up and secure a game-changer?
To assess whether the Chicago Bears are a legitimate contender to move up in the 2025 NFL Draft, we need to evaluate several factors, including their current roster situation, the specific needs they must address, their draft capital, and the dynamics of the draft itself. Ultimately, the decision to trade up hinges on whether the Bears can identify a player or position that aligns with their long-term goals and if the potential trade package makes sense for their current and future trajectory.
The State of the Chicago Bears’ Roster
Before considering any moves in the draft, it’s important to understand the current state of the Bears’ roster. The team is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and while there are promising signs of growth, there are still several critical areas that need to be addressed for them to transition into a true playoff contender.
Quarterback: Justin Fields’ Development
One of the most important components of the Bears’ future is Justin Fields. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to extend plays with his legs and make dynamic throws. However, his development as a passer still needs to improve for him to become the franchise quarterback the Bears need. Fields’ continued growth will be pivotal to the Bears’ success in 2025 and beyond.
At this point, the Bears’ most pressing need at quarterback is ensuring that Fields has the support he needs to succeed. This includes improving the offensive line, surrounding him with more dynamic weapons in the receiving corps, and continuing to develop his skills under the tutelage of the coaching staff. However, barring a major shift in Fields’ performance in 2025, quarterback is not likely to be a position the Bears look to target in the draft—at least not early on.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been a longstanding issue for the Bears. Protecting Fields has been a significant concern, and while the team has invested in some offensive linemen over the past few seasons, they are still lacking in terms of depth and consistency. The 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Bears to solidify their line, ensuring Fields has the time he needs to develop as a passer.
One potential move the Bears could consider is trading up to secure a top-tier offensive tackle or guard to anchor their line. Players like Alabama’s J.C. Latham or Michigan’s Olu Fashanu (depending on how the draft unfolds) could be available and might be worth moving up for if the Bears believe they can shore up their line with a true difference-maker. A solid offensive line not only benefits Fields but can also open up the running game, which is an essential part of the Bears’ offense.
Wide Receiver
Although the Bears added DJ Moore in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, the team still needs more weapons for Fields to work with. Darnell Mooney has shown potential, but the Bears need to give Fields more consistency and talent at wide receiver. Trading up for a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or another top-tier prospect could give the offense the elite playmaker it needs.
Harrison, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft, would provide an immediate impact as a dominant presence in the receiving game. If the Bears are serious about helping Fields succeed, moving up to secure a player of Harrison’s caliber could accelerate their rebuilding process. However, it’s also important to consider the value of staying put and selecting a wide receiver later in the draft, given the depth of talent at that position.
Defensive Improvements
While the offense has garnered much of the focus, the Bears’ defense also requires attention. Although Chicago has a solid foundation with players like Roquan Smith and Jaquan Brisker, the defense has lacked consistency and playmaking ability. The Bears could target defensive positions like edge rusher or cornerback to further solidify their defensive unit.
The 2025 draft is expected to feature some elite defensive talents, particularly on the edge. If the Bears believe they can upgrade their pass rush by adding an elite prospect, they may consider moving up for a player like Ohio State’s J.T. Tuimoloau or Georgia’s Myles Murphy. Similarly, cornerbacks like Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks are projected to go high in the draft and could provide an instant impact in the secondary.
Draft Capital: Do the Bears Have What It Takes to Move Up?
As of now, the Chicago Bears possess significant draft capital in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is crucial to their potential to move up. The Bears hold the following key assets:
- 1st round pick (potentially top 10, depending on team performance in 2025)
- 2nd round pick
- Multiple third- and fourth-round picks
Given the strength of the Bears’ draft capital, they are in a relatively strong position to move up, particularly if they believe they can secure a player who will be an immediate impact. The Bears’ ability to trade up largely depends on their willingness to part with future draft capital, especially in future first or second-round picks.
Possible Trade-Up Scenarios
To better understand the likelihood of the Bears moving up, let’s consider some realistic scenarios where they could be motivated to trade up.
Trading Up for a Top Offensive Tackle
If a player like J.C. Latham or Olu Fashanu falls within the top 10 picks of the 2025 draft, the Bears could look to move up to select one of them. With a critical need on the offensive line, this would be a logical move to provide Fields with better protection and stability. To do this, the Bears could trade up with a team in the 6-10 range, offering a second-round pick or a combination of third- and fourth-round picks.
Trading Up for a Wide Receiver
With Justin Fields’ development as a passer tied to having reliable and dynamic weapons, moving up to secure a top-tier wide receiver could be the right call. Marvin Harrison Jr. would likely be a player the Bears would target if they are serious about upgrading their offense. However, Harrison may be taken in the top 5, which could make a trade up more costly. Chicago would need to part with multiple high picks, potentially including their 2025 first-round pick, to make this move.
Trading Up for a Defensive Star
While offense has been the primary concern, the Bears could look to address their defense in a major way. Trading up for a top pass rusher like J.T. Tuimoloau or Myles Murphy could dramatically improve their front seven, making it a tough defense to deal with in the NFC North. This would likely require a move into the top 10, but the Bears would need to weigh whether a top defender is worth parting with future picks.
How Realistic Is a Trade-Up for the Bears?
While the Bears have the capital to make a move, there are several factors that will influence their ability to trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Team Needs and Draft Strategy: Chicago has multiple needs but must prioritize areas that are crucial to Justin Fields’ development. If they believe a top offensive lineman or wide receiver will help Fields thrive, they could be more inclined to move up. However, they also need to ensure that they don’t overextend their draft capital for short-term gain.
- Draft Class Depth: The depth of the 2025 draft class will play a role in the Bears’ strategy. If they believe they can find a starting-caliber player later in the draft, they may opt to stay put and build depth. But if they see a clear difference-maker within striking distance, moving up would make sense.
- Market for Trading Up: The market for trading up can also be unpredictable. Teams picking in the top 10 are often reluctant to move out of their positions unless a significant offer is made. The Bears must assess whether it is worth trading up in the early rounds or waiting for talent to fall to them.