The Chicago Bears were expected to vault into contention this season with Caleb Williams, but that was not the case in Chicago. A fateful Hail Mary against #2 pick Jayden Daniels set the tone for the rest of the Bears season, but they are back at the drawing board for the 2025 NFL draft. The Bears fell off a cliff after their 4-2 start last year, but have a promising selection of draft picks coupled with a budding franchise quarterback in the Windy City.
Chicago Bears Needs and Draft Strategy
Offensive Line:
The offensive line is far and away the Bears’ most important position to target in the 2025 NFL draft. They need a new center, new offensive guards, and new offensive tackles too. This could truthfully be all three of their needs at the 2025 NFL draft, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bears use at least two of their top 41 picks on this position group.
Caleb Williams has to shoulder some blame for the Bears’ league high 68 sacks allowed last season, but most of it goes to the offensive line. The rookie signal caller got absolutely no protection and was rarely able to set his feet in a clean pocket last season. It is very realistic to expect four of the five offensive linemen to be new faces in Chicago, as the Bears will look to rebuild their offense in the Ben Johnson era.
Wide Receiver:
The Bears drafted Rome Odunze with the 9th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. While it would be too early to call Odunze a bust, he appears to be a wide receiver with a ceiling of WR2 on a playoff team. The Bears are still searching for their franchise cornerstone pass catcher, and the 2025 NFL draft has various options for the Bears. Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency and may retire after a solid NFL career. Either way, the Bears will need to fill that hole as he led the team with 7 receiving touchdowns from Caleb Williams.
EDGE:
Most NFL teams are looking for an upgrade at the EDGE position, and the Bears are no exception. Montez Sweat led the team with 5.5 sacks last year, but that isn’t good enough for a team that expects to qualify for the postseason. Seven players did log 3 or more sacks, but the Bears lack the talent to lead their defensive front.
How many picks do the Chicago Bears have in the 2025 Draft?
The Chicago Bears have a total of 8 picks in the 2025 NFL draft. While a pair of seventh-round picks are all but useless, the Bears have the privilege of selecting three players in the first 41 picks of the 2025 NFL draft. Their selections this year are as follows:
- 1st Round: 10th Overall
- 2nd Round: 39th Overall
- 2nd Round: 41st Overall
- 3rd Round: 72nd Overall
- 5th Round: 149th Overall
- 6th Round: 197th Overall
- 7th Round: 235th Overall
- 7th Round: 242nd Overall
Chicago is still reaping the rewards of its 2023 draft-day trade, in which it sent the first overall pick (Bryce Young) to the Carolina Panthers for a boatload of top-tier draft picks. In addition to selecting Caleb Williams the following year, the Panthers’ second-round pick this season was also included in the trade. The Bears traded their fourth-round pick this season to the Bills at the 2024 NFL draft but picked up a pair of late picks by trading away Khalil Herbert and Chase Claypool.
Potential Chicago Bears Draft Picks 2025
1st Round, 10th Overall: Kelvin Banks (Offensive Guard, Texas)
Kelvin Banks is a good option, assuming Will Campbell is not available by the time the Bears select 10th overall. Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft, but there are strong arguments that Banks is the next best option. Banks has the versatility a team like the Chicago Bears are craving. He can play on the outside at tackle, but his strongest position is an interior lineman. Center may be a stretch for Banks, but his ability to operate both in space and up the middle, makes him the perfect fit for Chicago.
1st Round, 10th Overall: Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
Mike Green has the potential to be a dominant NFL pass rusher, and the Bears may opt to reach a little bit and take him with the 10th pick. An offensive lineman may not be the splash Ben Johnson wants to make with his first pick with the franchise. Green can invigorate the fanbase, as he led the entire country with 17 sacks last season. He will need to add some size in the NFL, but there is no doubt this is a great fit.
2nd Round, 41st Overall: Seth McLaughlin (Center, Ohio State)
Seth McLaughlin is the best center in the 2025 NFL draft and could have a long career in Chicago if the Bears opt to draft him at the 2025 NFL draft. His reactions are top notch, and he has shown the pass protection skills needed to protect Caleb Williams after his National Championship victory last season.
