As the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves holding a coveted position with the No. 1 overall pick. Coming off a challenging 2024 season, the Bears are in a unique position to reshape their franchise. While their quarterback, Justin Fields, shows promise, they still face considerable needs across various positions. As a result, speculation about what the Bears will do with this pivotal pick has run rampant. Will they select a top-tier talent to immediately impact the roster, or will they look to trade the pick for additional assets, positioning themselves for long-term success?
With the draft just three weeks away, we’ve gathered insights from 12 respected NFL draft analysts to see what they project the Bears will do with the No. 1 overall pick. As we delve into their projections, we’ll also consider the rationale behind each potential selection and how these choices align with the Bears’ current needs and future plans.
1. Todd McShay, ESPN: Selects Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Todd McShay has consistently mocked wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 pick, believing that pairing Fields with an elite wide receiver is the key to unlocking the young quarterback’s potential. Harrison Jr. is widely regarded as one of the best receiver prospects to come out of college in years, with an exceptional combination of size, speed, and route-running precision.
McShay’s argument for selecting Harrison is rooted in the Bears’ need for a true No. 1 wideout. Darnell Mooney has shown flashes of potential, but Chicago has struggled to put together a consistently dangerous receiving corps. By adding Harrison, Fields would get a generational talent to grow with, giving him a true weapon on the outside.
Rationale: The Bears’ offense has lacked a reliable deep threat, and Harrison’s skills would immediately elevate their passing game. He could be Fields’ go-to guy for years to come, providing stability to the offense.
2. Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Selects Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
In his most recent mock draft, Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Bears to select Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle from Georgia. Carter has been a disruptive force in college football, showing a rare blend of power and agility that allows him to wreak havoc in the backfield. While there are some concerns about his off-field behavior, his on-field ability has been too undeniable for Kiper to ignore.
Kiper’s rationale revolves around the fact that the Bears’ defense has been inconsistent and in need of an anchor up front. Carter would immediately step into a starting role and elevate their defensive line. With the ability to both stop the run and collapse the pocket, Carter could form a dynamic duo alongside the likes of Trevis Gipson and Jaquan Brisker.
Rationale: The Bears have a need for a game-changer in the trenches. Carter’s ability to impact both the run and pass rush makes him a safe and high-reward selection for a team looking to improve defensively.
3. Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: Selects Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Despite having Justin Fields on the roster, Daniel Jeremiah has projected the Bears to select Bryce Young, the Heisman-winning quarterback from Alabama. The idea behind this pick is that while Fields has shown flashes, the Bears might opt for a quarterback that many analysts consider the most polished prospect in the 2025 draft.
Jeremiah suggests that with a new general manager and head coach, Chicago may not be fully committed to Fields and might decide to start fresh with a quarterback who can step in immediately. Young’s decision-making, poise, and ability to lead a team are seen as traits that would allow him to flourish in the NFL.
Rationale: If the Bears are uncertain about Fields’ future as their franchise quarterback, Young could represent a safer and more stable long-term investment. However, this is a controversial pick that would send shockwaves through the Bears’ fan base.
4. Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Selects Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Gregg Rosenthal has projected that the Bears will look to bolster their pass rush by selecting Will Anderson Jr., the consensus top edge rusher in the 2025 class. Anderson is an explosive and relentless defender who can dominate as both a pass rusher and against the run. His combination of speed and strength makes him an ideal fit for the Bears’ defense, which has struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Rosenthal’s reasoning is clear: The Bears’ defense needs an elite playmaker off the edge, and Anderson is one of the few prospects capable of transforming a defense with his sheer ability to pressure the quarterback. His presence would help create more turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.
Rationale: Chicago needs to improve its ability to rush the passer. Anderson has the potential to become one of the best in the league, making him an immediate impact player who could elevate the Bears’ defense.
5. Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Selects Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
In a slightly different approach, Pete Prisco has the Bears selecting Paris Johnson Jr., an elite offensive tackle from Ohio State. With questions surrounding the protection of Justin Fields, many analysts believe the Bears should invest in their offensive line to ensure that Fields has the time and comfort to develop into the quarterback they hope he can be.
Prisco argues that while the Bears’ defense may need help, their offensive line is just as critical to the future of the franchise. Johnson is an elite pass protector and a mauler in the run game, which could give Fields a clean pocket and open running lanes.
Rationale: Protecting Fields and providing him with a strong offensive line is essential for the Bears. Johnson’s ability to anchor the left tackle position would solidify the line and improve the offense as a whole.
6. Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: Selects Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Bucky Brooks has a slightly different take, projecting the Bears to go with wide receiver Quentin Johnston from TCU. Johnston is a big, physical receiver with excellent ball-tracking skills, making him a dangerous target on both short and deep throws. Brooks sees Johnston as a perfect complement to Fields’ skill set, offering a massive target to help improve the passing attack.
Johnston’s ability to go up and get passes in tight coverage makes him a viable red-zone threat for a Bears team that struggles in those situations. By adding a dynamic, big-bodied receiver, the Bears could create mismatches on the outside.
Rationale: The Bears need a playmaker at receiver. Johnston’s combination of size and speed gives him the tools to be a future No. 1 receiver in the NFL, and he could immediately make an impact in Chicago’s passing game.
7. Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Selects Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Chris Trapasso has the Bears going in an unexpected direction once again, projecting them to take Caleb Williams, the dynamic quarterback from USC. While Fields is still on the roster, Williams is considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft. Trapasso suggests that the Bears may have grown frustrated with Fields’ inconsistency and might decide to move on, taking Williams as their quarterback of the future.
Williams is a highly mobile and creative quarterback, known for his ability to make plays outside of the pocket. His playmaking ability and athleticism could make him an ideal fit in Chicago, where the quarterback is asked to do a lot with his legs.
Rationale: If the Bears aren’t fully sold on Fields and feel Williams has more upside, selecting him could be the start of a new era for the franchise. Williams would offer a fresh start and could develop into a star quarterback in the NFL.
8. Kyle Brandt, NFL Network: Selects Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
While a running back might seem like an unorthodox choice with the No. 1 overall pick, Kyle Brandt has gone out on a limb by projecting the Bears to select Bijan Robinson, the elite running back from Texas. Robinson is considered one of the most complete running back prospects in recent memory, with the ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
Brandt’s reasoning for this pick is simple: the Bears have a talented quarterback in Justin Fields but need to build a more balanced offense. Robinson could be a workhorse in the backfield, helping to take pressure off Fields while providing an explosive weapon in the run game.
Rationale: The Bears have been searching for a top-tier running back for years. Robinson’s ability to dominate the ground game while also contributing as a receiver could open up multiple offensive avenues for Chicago.
9. Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: Selects Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Lance Zierlein has the Bears selecting cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a standout defender from Oregon. With questions in the secondary, particularly at cornerback, the Bears are projected to address their defensive backfield by taking the versatile Gonzalez. Known for his size, athleticism, and ball skills, Gonzalez would be an immediate upgrade for a Bears secondary that has struggled to keep opposing pass catchers in check.
Rationale: The Bears’ defense needs a shutdown corner, and Gonzalez has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. His ability to cover both inside and outside makes him a versatile asset to the team.
10. Aaron Wilson, Pro Football Network: Selects Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Aaron Wilson projects the Bears to select Jared Verse, an explosive edge rusher from Florida State. Verse is a dynamic pass rusher who can create havoc on the edge, making him a perfect fit for a Bears defense that needs more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Rationale: The Bears need a game-changer on defense, and Verse could provide that. His ability to rush the passer and make plays behind the line of scrimmage would elevate the defense.
11. Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus: Selects Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Mike Renner suggests the Bears will add another pass rusher by selecting Tyree Wilson, a powerful and fast edge rusher from Texas Tech. Wilson’s blend of size and speed makes him an ideal prospect for the Bears, who need more pressure up front.
Rationale: The Bears need to get after the quarterback, and Wilson can do just that. He could immediately make an impact as a rookie.
12. Ben Linsey, Pro Football Focus: Selects Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Ben Linsey has the Bears opting for cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, another cornerback prospect from Mississippi State. Forbes is known for his ball skills and ability to make plays on the ball. The Bears could look to add a cornerback with the No. 1 pick to address their struggles in pass coverage.