Chicago Bears 2025 Draft Preview
The 2024-2025 season has come to an end for the Chicago Bears, and it couldn’t have come any sooner for Bears fans. Entering the season with increased expectations after selecting Caleb Williams with the 1st overall in the last draft, the result was nothing short of a disappointment. They fell well short of the projected 8.5 win total set by betting apps in Illinois, finishing with just 5 wins on the season. This was especially disheartening considering the 4-2 start to the season. However, there is still room for optimism for the future. Caleb Williams showed many flashes of what made him one of the best QB prospects in years, and there are plenty of key pieces to build around. Finding the right head coach to lead Williams and the Bears is the first priority, but then the focus shifts to the upcoming 2025 draft.
There are obvious holes to fill in the roster, and thankfully the Bears have 3 picks within the first 41 selections of the upcoming draft. With many possible directions to go, what will GM Ryan Poles do with these key draft picks? Let’s break down the needs, and give our choices for the best rookies to fill them.
Bears main needs: Offensive Line, Edge Rusher, Safety, Cornerback, Running Back
Pick 10 – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
With the 10th overall pick in the draft, the Bears should look no other direction than the best offensive lineman available. Caleb Williams was the most sacked QB in football this season, which is not sustainable if they want their major investment in him to work out. Protecting Williams needs to be the #1 priority in the draft, and will take more than just this selection.
Kelvin Banks Jr. will immediately make an impact and be the cornerstone of the offensive line. The second-ranked OT in the draft could protect Williams’ blind side at left tackle, or move inside to guard if needed.
Pick 39 – Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
On the other side of the ball, the Bears should look to improve the defensive line. Having a prospect like Sawyer on the opposite side of Montez Sweat would make this a scary pass rush. Sawyer is a very high IQ player who has shown big-play ability. Also, bringing in pieces from winning teams could help build a winning culture in Chicago.
Pick 41 – Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Just like bringing in help opposite of one star in Sweat, the Bears should draft someone to complement star CB Jaylon Johnson. Through 2 seasons, Tyrique Stevenson has struggled at the other corner spot. Trey Amos would be an instant upgrade in the early second round, providing length and lockdown abilities. The Bears’ defense is just a few pieces away from being a big problem for the league, and Amos would bolster the secondary.
Trade-up target – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
With a lot of holes to fill, running back may not jump out as a glaring need. However, D’Andre Swift clearly needs a running mate in the backfield. He is coming off a career-high in carries, but career low in yards per carry at just 3.8. Pairing the 5 foot 9 Swift with a 6 foot, 220 pound back would be a great way to boost the run game. Any way to make the game easier for Caleb Williams is the goal, and grabbing the second-best back in the draft would be an exciting addition.