The Chicago Bears hold seven picks in this year’s draft. They have the 10th overall pick, 39th, 41st, 72nd, 148, 233 & 240. Thanks to what they were able to accomplish thus far in the offseason, they are not in a position where they are drafting strictly for need. They can take a “best player available” approach with all their picks

Over the next several weeks I’ll spotlight every position group, with the exception of quarterback (the Bears won’t draft one) and specialists (aka kickers, punters and long snappers)

In this piece, I’ll focus on the offensive line.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

I’m of the opinion that the Bears need to come out of this draft with a new left tackle. This isn’t a knock on Braxton Jones who has been a solid left tackle and has far outperformed his draft status as a fifth round pick.

The fact is, I think this is Braxton Jones’ last year in Chicago. Serviceable left tackles get paid in free agency. Tennessee gave Dan Moore 50 million guaranteed and an average annual salary north of 20 million. Jones is a superior player, are the Bears willing to come close to that price tag next offseason? My hunch says no.

So, I think the Bears will be proactive and formulate the succession plan a year early. They can pick a left tackle and not have to rush him into the starting lineup. If he beats out Jones for the job, so be it.

Let’s look at the offensive tackles that I think should be on the Bears radar:

Round One

I think there are only three offensive tackles the Bears should consider on the first day of the draft. First, and foremost is LSU’s Will Campbell.

Quite simply, if Campbell is available at ten, the Bears need to make that pick. He’s the best offensive lineman in the draft, period. There are some concerns about his arm length and whether or not he can handle being a tackle in the NFL. I believe he can.

It’s not like Campbell dominated inferior competition in college. He played in the powerhouse SEC, matching up with future NFL pass rushers on a weekly basis. His arm length was never an issue and I don’t think it will be in the NFL either.

But, just to play devil’s advocate, suppose Campbell’s short arms do prohibit him from sticking at left tackle, what then? Well, the Bears would still have a perennial All Pro guard.

But, the Bears just traded for two starting guards. This is true, but Joe Thuney is 32 and Jonah Jackson is coming off a disastrous season in LA. To say the Bears have the guard position locked down for the foreseeable future would be foolish.

But, I digress. Campbell will be a more than solid NFL left tackle, which is why I don’t think he’ll be available when the Bears go on the clock on day one of the draft.

Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr is another college left tackle that some believe may have to transition to guard. Again, I disagree. I think Banks can be a quality left tackle in the NFL, but I wouldn’t take him at ten. There will be better players available, at positions of near equal importance.

Even if the Bears trade down four to five spots, I think there will be better players on the board. Trading back further, probably takes them out of Banks’ range.

Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is one prospect that doesn’t face questions about whether or not he’s an NFL left tackle. The concerns about Simmons deal with the season ending knee injury he suffered last year.

Fully healthy, Simmons might be discussed alongside Campbell as first offensive lineman off the board. Even given a clean bill of health, I’m not sure the Bears should consider him at ten, but he could be a target if the Bears trade down.

Some may question my exclusion of Missouri’s Armand Membou. Membou is certainly worthy of a first round pick, but he’s been an exclusively right tackle throughout his career. The Bears already have a very good right tackle in Darnell Wright.

The Bears better be damn sure Membou can transition to the left side if they would pick him. If he can’t, they’ve wasted their first round pick. Some analysts believe he can make the move to the left side, I’m not confident enough to want the Bears to make that gamble.

Day Two

Because I think the Bears should only be targeting left tackles in the early rounds, Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr is the only tackle I think is worth a day two pick.

Conerly is raw, but his potential is vast. Watch the tape of the Penn State game and see how he fared against Abdul Carter, the consensus top pass rusher in the class.

Conerly might be the perfect prospect for the Bears. With Braxton Jones still around, there’s no rush for him to be inserted into the lineup. He can get acclimated to the pro game and get hands on teaching from one of the best offensive line coaches in football, Dan Roushar.

The Bears have shown significant interest in Conerly, so it appears they are targeting him. He could be available when the Bears go on the clock on day two.

However, there’s a chance he could go earlier, even at the tail end of the first round. It’s fair to wonder what price the Bears are willing to pay to land him.

The other offensive tackles with a day two grade are all strictly right tackles. I don’t believe the Bears should consider what would essentially be a swing tackle until day three.

Day Three Prospects

The case of former fifth round pick Braxton Jones notwithstanding, landing a year one starter on the offensive line on day three is not likely. Any player taken in rounds 4-7 are merely depth pieces with the potential to develop into starters. Some names to consider:

• Anthony Belton, NC State
• Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
• Charles Grant, William & Mary
• Trey Wedig, Indiana
• Jack Nelson, Wisconsin
• Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

The Bears did a marvelous job rebuilding the interior of their offensive line with the acquisitions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and the signing of Drew Dalman. Depth is needed and there is Thuney’s age and Jackson’s awful 2024 to consider. Also, none of the three new interior offensive linemen for the Bears are signed for more than three years.

The Bears shouldn’t be looking at interior offensive linemen in the first round, but there are some worth considering on day two.

Day Two

There is one guy I think the Bears should consider in the second round, if he makes it that far and that is North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel.

I’m a really big fan of Zabel. He can play all five positions across the offensive line. He could be a serviceable tackle or a dominant guard or center. He would provide the Bears with valuable and versatile depth until such time as he joins the starting lineup on a full time basis.

I think Zabel likely lands in the first round, but if he should be there when the Bears go on the clock on day two, he might well be the best player available. It’s worth considering.

Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson should be available to the Bears in the second round, but I’d argue that he probably wouldn’t be the best player available.

Georgia’s Jared Wilson is the best pure center in the draft and worth consideration in the third round. Other players to consider in the third are Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea, Purdue’s Marcus Mbow, West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum & Georgia’s Tate Ratledge.

I’m especially intrigued by Mbow’s potential and Ratledge’s bulldog tenacity.

Day Three Prospects

Just like with tackles, day three picks are depth pieces with the potential for growth. Some players to remember:

• Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
• Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
• Garrett Dellinger, LSU
• Luke Kandra, Cincinnati
• Miles Frazier, LSU
• Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
• Joshua Gray, Oregon State
• Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
• Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
• Jonah Monheim, USC
• Jake Majors, Texas
• Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan

I expect the Bears to start day three of the draft with a left tackle already in tow. If I was a betting man, my money would be on Josh Conerly Jr with their first pick of the second round.

I will say that I will be watching the first round with bated breath. If New England passes on Will Campbell, there’s a slight chance he makes it to ten. As I stated before, the Bears need to sprint that card to Roger Goodell if he’s available.

I don’t expect the Bears to draft an interior lineman until day three of the draft, if at all. One intriguing late round name is Jonah Monheim of USC. He was Caleb Williams’ college center.

The New York Giants are signing quarterback Russell Wilson. What does this mean? Actually, quite a bit. This clarifies things significantly, even if not officially, yet.

New York Giants– The Giants quarterback room now consists of Wilson, Jameis Winston & Tommy DeVito. Obviously, none of those are long term solutions, so the Giants are still obviously in the mix for drafting a quarterback.

The question is, will they take a QB with the third overall pick? Before the Wilson signing, I was leaning no, this only makes me more certain they won’t.

No head coach or general manager are on hotter seats entering the 2025 season than the Giants’ Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. The Wilson signing means they can take a player at three than can actually help them win games this year instead of making a desperation pick at quarterback.

Shedeur Sanders– I was already starting to think that Sanders could tumble down the board and now I’m even more strongly convinced of that. It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Miami’s Cam Ward will be QB1 and most likely going first overall to the Tennessee Titans. If Cleveland passes, where does Sanders wind up?

Many experts are saying the Giants signing of Wilson is a precaution in case their guy isn’t available at three. I agree, but I think their guy was Ward, not Sanders.

Watch Cleveland. If they sign Carson Wentz, I think they’ll pass on quarterback at two and much like the Giants take a player that can actually help them win games this year.

The Jets, Raiders and Saints could be possibilities for Sanders, but I’m highly dubious. To me, Russell Wilson signing with the Giants will make Shedeur Sanders tumble out of the top ten, and perhaps even further down the board.

Pittsburgh Steelers– What the Wilson signing means is that Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh is a done deal, even if it might not be official for weeks.

The Steelers and Rodgers are pretty much out of options. Rodgers may still hold out hope that Minnesota changes their mind, but he would be wise not to hold his breath.

If they don’t land Rodgers, Pittsburgh could make a Hail Mary offer for Kirk Cousins, but I don’t see it happening.

There is also the chance that Shedeur Sanders now falls into range for the Steelers, whether they sign Rodgers or not.

Cleveland Browns– I think the Browns wanted a competition between Wilson and Kenny Pickett. With Wilson off to New York, I think the Browns will pivot to plan B.

I think in the next couple days, we’ll see Cleveland sign either Carson Wentz or bring back Joe Flacco.

We’re almost two weeks into the 2025 NFL league year. Free agency, for the most part, is done. There will be minor transactions between now and the draft as teams add depth and role players, but there are a couple major dominoes still to fall.

These, of course, revolve around quarterbacks and it starts with Aaron Rodgers. Once Rodgers decides where he’s going to play in 2025, then Russell Wilson will find a home and maybe some team will make Atlanta an offer they can’t refuse for Kirk Cousins.

The draft strategies of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, and to some extent the Cleveland Browns, hinge on Aaron Rodgers’ decision. Being that it’s Rodgers, he of the darkness retreat, we could be waiting awhile. In the meantime, I’m offering my post free agency, three round mock draft.

As I was working on this, reports stated Aaron Rodgers spent six hours visiting the Steelers, then the Giants signed Jameis Winston. These bits of news strengthen my convictions that Aaron Rodgers will end up with Pittsburgh, while the Giants and Browns will go the veteran bridge quarterback route. I performed this mock draft under those assumptions.

I used NFL Mock Draft Database and did trades only in the first round:

ROUND ONE

#1. Tennessee Titans– Cam Ward, QB, Miami-Fl

Every move Tennessee has made in free agency suggests they’re going quarterback with the first pick. Of course, some team could get desperate enough to throw a boatload at them to move up (looking at you, Giants), but for now I’m comfortable mocking Ward to the Titans.

#2. Cleveland Browns– Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Even after re-signing Myles Garrett, Cleveland can’t pass on Carter, who I feel is the best player in the draft. The Browns believe they can contend this season and a Garrett/Carter pass rushing tandem would certainly be elite.

#3. New York Giants– Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The Giants will start the season with a veteran quarterback. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will not risk their jobs with a second tier rookie quarterback. Instead, they’ll use this pick to take the Heisman Trophy winner, who can fill a need at two positions.

#4. New England Patriots– Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Mike Vrabel’s very first draft pick as Patriots head coach will be in the trenches, I guarantee it. Campbell is quite simply the best offensive lineman in the draft, short arms or not.

#5. Jacksonville Jaguars– Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The first surprise pick of my mock draft. Most mocks have the Jaguars taking Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham here, but my thinking is that new head coach Liam Coen will lean offense and shoring up Trevor Lawrence’s protection.

#6. Las Vegas Raiders– Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Las Vegas shrewdly solved their quarterback issue by trading for Geno Smith. New head coach Pete Carroll likes to lean on the running game but the Raiders don’t have the horses to carry that load, yet. Jeanty is a prolific, three down back that can help make this offense hum.

#7. New York Jets– Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The Jets lost one offensive tackle, Morgan Moses, in free agency and Tyron Smith could opt to retire. Offensive tackle is a need, but with Membou off the board there’s none worthy of the seventh overall pick. New head coach, Aaron Glenn, is a defensive guy and he’ll look to the other side of the ball. Graham will be a tone setter for this defense.

#8. Carolina Panthers– Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Carolina needs to give Bryce Young a big time target. Adam Thielen has been a reliable security blanket, but he’s not a true number one receiver. McMillan is a big bodied receiver with elite ball skills that can help Young take that next step.

#9. New Orleans Saints– Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

And there we have it, the first shocker of the draft, and it’s a double shock. New Orleans is stuck with Derek Carr, for now, but new head coach Kellen Moore is going to want his guy. Dart has been rising up draft boards and I think he’ll eclipse Shedeur Sanders as the number two quarterback in the class.

*TRADE*

We get our first trade. Denver gives Chicago a fourth round pick this year and a second and fourth next year to move up ten spots.

#10. Denver Broncos– Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Sean Payton talked a lot about finding his “joker” in the mold of Jimmy Graham. Warren might be it. In my opinion, he’s the best pass catcher in the draft and he’ll allow Payton to expand the offense around Bo Nix.

#11. San Francisco 49ers– Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

San Francisco parted with numerous veterans since the start of the league year. They have quite a few holes to fill. Taking the best player available is never a bad strategy, and Johnson gives them a lock down corner in the pass happy NFL.

*TRADE*

Cincinnati gives Dallas a third round pick, number 81, to move up five spots.

#12. Cincinnati Bengals– Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

Whether or not they retain Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati could use another pass rusher. Jumping ahead of other teams eyeing edge rushers, the Bengals take the freakishly athletic Stewart.

*TRADE*

Arizona gives Miami a fourth round pick in this draft to move up three spots.

#13. Arizona Cardinals– Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia

The Cardinals jump ahead of Atlanta to land the versatile Walker. Arizona can use him as an edge rusher or off ball linebacker.

#14. Indianapolis Colts– Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

Indianapolis lost a starting guard and their starting center in free agency. Booker is the best pure guard in the draft.

#15. Atlanta Falcons– Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Atlanta sees a couple teams jump them for edge rushers, only for the one they’re likely eyeing to fall in their lap.

#16. Miami Dolphins– Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

After moving down three spots, Miami bolsters their offensive line. Banks could kick inside to guard or eventually replace Terron Armstead, whenever that time comes.

#17. Dallas Cowboys– Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

After moving down five spots, Dallas drafts a replacement for nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis.

#18. Seattle Seahawks– Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Seattle goes with a highly productive pass rusher. Green has been garnering considerable pre-draft buzz.

#19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

LaVonte David continues to play at a high level for Tampa Bay, but he’s 35 years old. Campbell could be his heir apparent as leader of the Buccaneers defense.

#20. Chicago Bears– Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Chicago added significant draft capital for this year and next to move down ten spots. After a flurry of moves, the Bears are left with only one question on the offensive line. Left tackle. Braxton Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract and coming off a significant injury. Simmons is coming off his own season ending injury or else he’d be in the conversation as first offensive lineman off the board.

#21. Pittsburgh Steelers– Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

I have Pittsburgh landing Aaron Rodgers, but given his age they should consider a long term answer at quarterback, but I can’t see it being with this pick. Instead, they go with a physical runner to replace Najee Harris.

#22. Los Angeles Chargers– Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

It’s almost too easy to mock Loveland to the Chargers. They have a need at tight end and Jim Harbaugh recruited him to Michigan.

#22. Green Bay Packers– Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Green Bay adds an explosive, play making interior defensive lineman.

#24. Minnesota Vikings– Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Minnesota did a lot to bolster their defensive line in free agency. Harrison Smith is back, but he’s not getting any younger. Starks will bolster their secondary.

#25. Houston Texans– Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

Houston’s offensive line was a mess last season. Zabel can play any position on the line, but he’s probably best suited for guard.

#26. Los Angeles Rams– Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The Rams signed Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nucua, but Golden will give them a speed threat they don’t currently have.

#27. Baltimore Ravens– Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Emmanwori seems like he was made to be a Raven. He’ll give Baltimore the tone setter in the secondary they’ve not had since Ed Reed.

#28. Detroit Lions– James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee

Detroit needs an edge rusher to pair with Aiden Hutchinson. Pearce might be the most polished pass rusher in the draft.

#29. Washington Commanders– Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Washington has loaded up to make a run at the Super Bowl. Adding a highly productive pass rusher is another piece of the puzzle.

*TRADE*

The Giants give Buffalo a third round pick in this draft to move back into the first round.

#30. New York Giants– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The Giants passed on quarterback with the third overall pick, but when Sanders tumbles down the board, they make the move up to grab their, hopefully, franchise quarterback.

#31. Kansas City Chiefs– Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

The Chiefs offensive line was exposed in the Super Bowl and left tackle was an issue all season. KC signed Jaylon Moore to play left tackle, but he’s only signed for two years and has only started nine games in his career.

#32. Philadelphia Eagles– Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Philadelphia replaces Josh Sweat with the less ballyhooed but more productive college teammate of Shemar Stewart.

ROUND TWO

#33. Cleveland Browns– Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

#34. Buffalo Bills– Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Buffalo gains an extra third round pick to move down four spots, out of the first round, and grab a big bodied defensive lineman.

#35. Tennessee Titans– Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

#36. Jacksonville Jaguars– Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

#37. Las Vegas Raiders– Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

#38. New England Patriots– Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

#39. Chicago Bears– Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Personally, I’d prefer more of a speed rusher, but Jackson fits the physical profile that new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers in defensive ends.

#40. New Orleans Saints– Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

#41. Chicago Bears– Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

The deeper I get into draft analysis, the more enamored I become with Judkins and his fit with the Bears. He would give Ben Johnson his “knuckles” running back.

#42. New York Jets– Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

#43. San Francisco 49ers– Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

#44. Dallas Cowboys– TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

Dallas did pretty well the last time they drafted a stud running back from Ohio State.

#45. Indianapolis Colts– Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

#46. Atlanta Falcons– Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

#47. Arizona Cardinals– Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

#48. Miami Dolphins– Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

Jackson played left tackle admirably after Josh Simmons went down, but Miami probably kicks him inside to guard, his more natural position.

#49. Cincinnati Bengals– Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

#50. Seattle Seahawks– Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

#51. Denver Broncos– Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

#52. Seattle Seahawks– Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

#53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

#54. Green Bay Packers– JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

#55. Los Angeles Chargers– Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

#56. Buffalo Bills– Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

#57. Carolina Panthers– Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

#58. Houston Texans– Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

#59. Baltimore Ravens– Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue

Baltimore adds a smart and athletic offensive lineman who needs to add some mass to be an effective NFL offensive lineman.

#60. Detroit Lions– Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia

#61. Washington Commanders– Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

#62. Buffalo Bills– Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

#63. Kansas City Chiefs– Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona

#64. Philadelphia Eagles– Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami-Fl

Dallas Goedert is a fine tight end, but he misses a bit of time every season. Arroyo will give an already dangerous Philly offense another dimension.

ROUND THREE

#65. New York Giants– TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

#66. Kansas City Chiefs– Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green

#67. Cleveland Browns– Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Cleveland may bring back Nick Chubb, but he’s got an extensive injury history. Johnson can help lighten the load.

#68. Las Vegas Raiders– Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

#69. New England Patriots– Jack Bech, WR, TCU

#70. Jacksonville Jaguars– Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

#71. New Orleans Saints– Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia

#72. Chicago Bears– Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Walker is a massive human being who will have a role as a dominant run stuffer early on as he develops his all around game.

#73. New York Jets– Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon

#74. Carolina Panthers– Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

#75. San Francisco 49ers– Jared Wilson, IOL, Georgia

#76. Dallas Cowboys– Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

#77. New England Patriots– Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

#78. Arizona Cardinals– Emery Jones Jr, OT, LSU

#79. Houston Texans– Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

#80. Indianapolis Colts– Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

#81. Dallas Cowboys– Demetrius Knight, LB, South Carolina

*Dallas received this pick in their first round trade with Cincinnati.

#82. Seattle Seahawks– Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

#83. Pittsburgh Steelers– Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

I think Aaron Rodgers will eventually land in Pittsburgh, but he is 41 years old and only a short term fix. Ewers can be the developmental third string quarterback.

#84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State

#85. Denver Broncos– Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Denver replaces Javonte Williams with a tough, physical running back with three down abilities.

#86. Los Angeles Chargers– Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

#87. Green Bay Packers– Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, Oregon

#88. Jacksonville Jaguars– Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami-Fl

#89. Houston Texans– Chris Paul Jr, LB, Ole Miss

#90. Los Angeles Rams– Charles Grant, IOL, William & Mary

#91. Baltimore Ravens– Anthony Belton, OT, NC State

Baltimore adds an enormous tackle prospect that excels as a run blocker and could develop into a decent starter.

#92. Seattle Seahawks– Savion Williams, WR, TCU

#93. New Orleans Saints– Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

#94. Cleveland Browns– Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Cleveland will have an open competition for their starting quarterback between Kenny Pickett and another veteran bridge QB. Milroe is a plus athlete that needs some development to become an NFL quarterback, but he could bring value in special packages.

#95. Kansas City Chiefs– Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

#96. Philadelphia Eagles– Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State

Philadelphia traded away Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, so there’s need for safety depth. Winston has good size and traits, but needs more development.

#97. Minnesota Vikings– Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

#98. Miami Dolphins– Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Miami adds a quarterback friendly tight end that needs to improve as a blocker to have three down potential in the NFL.

#99. Buffalo Bills– Saivion Jones, EDGE, LSU

*Buffalo received this pick in their first round trade with the NY Giants.

#100. San Francisco 49ers– Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

#101. Los Angeles Rams– Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

#102. Detroit Lions– Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

The Bears had a very productive beginning to the new league year. The trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and the subsequent signing of Drew Dalman, completely re-made the interior offensive line. On paper, this is a significant upgrade to the weakest part of Chicago’s roster. At the very least, it means that interior offensive line isn’t a pressing need that the Bears need to address in the draft.

In fact, coupled with the signings of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears don’t really have any areas that are pressing needs. For once, Chicago can truly follow the best player available draft strategy.

With that in mind, I conducted my second full seven round mock draft using NFL Mock Draft Database.

ROUND ONE

*TRADE*

The Bears hold the tenth pick of the first round, and there were some very good players available, but none I was especially enamored with. I worked out a trade with Seattle to move down to 18 and added another second round pick, number 52.

*TRADE*

That’s right, two trades in the first round. I didn’t initiate this one, Denver did. The offer was too good to refuse, and only dropping two spots, I was confident that my target player would still be on the board. Denver giving up a 2026 second round pick seems ridiculous, but that is part of the fun of mock drafting.

Pick #20- Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Braxton Jones has actually been an okay left tackle and, truth be told, he far exceeded his draft position. With a better interior offensive line we could see a bump in his performance, but the fact is he will never become an elite left tackle.

Coupled with the room for an upgrade is the fact that Jones is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Look at the offensive tackle free agency market, average left tackles get PAID. The Bears just made significant investments on the interior offensive line and I’m pretty sure they don’t want to pay an average left tackle the 20 million plus per year that Jones is sure to command on the open market.

It was with this mindset that I started zeroing in on Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Simmons suffered a season ending knee injury in 2024, or he might be in the conversation for first offensive lineman off the board. He still might be if he tests well at the Buckeyes’ pro day and he’s given a clean bill of health.

Simmons is, quite simply, the best pure left tackle in the draft. For now, he can be had in the late teens, early twenties of the first round. He should certainly be on the Bears radar, even if he’s not one hundred percent recovered.

This is not a pick for immediate need, but one getting a jump on an imminent future situation. Worst case scenario, Simmons sits for a year and acclimates to the pro game. Best case, he is fully healthy and wins the left tackle job as a rookie and solidifies the blindside for years to come.

ROUND TWO

Pick #39- Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Edge isn’t a pressing need for the Bears after signing Odeyingbo, but pass rushing depth is never a bad idea and Nic Scourton was too good to pass up at this spot.

His Texas A&M teammate, Shemar Stewart, is getting all of the buzz right now because of his insane combine testing, but Scourton was actually the more productive player in college.

Scourton is no slouch athletically, either. Texas A&M often dropped him into coverage and he didn’t look out of place doing it. His natural position, however, is as a hand in the dirt traditional defensive end and that fits the mold of what new Bears defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, looks for in a pass rusher.

The presence of Montez Sweat and the signing of Odeyingbo means that Chicago doesn’t need to rush Scourton. They can ease him into the rotation and allow him to acclimate to the NFL.

*TRADE*

The Bears hold the 41st selection but I came in looking to move down slightly and add an early day three pick. Arizona was willing to part with a fourth round pick, number 115, to move up six spots.

Pick #47- Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

This is one of the better running back classes in years and I’ve long felt that Bears should take one. Many Bears fans are pounding the table for Ashton Jeanty in the first round, but I’m hesitant to go running back in the first round, especially when high end talent can be found into day three of the draft.

That being said, I’ve had my eye on Quinshon Judkins since watching Ohio State’s run to the National Championship. A bruising, physical runner that can take over games and wear down opponents, it’s hard not to envision him in a Bears uniform.

Judkins is also a good receiver to boot. He would be a good complement to D’Andre Swift and eventually supplant him as the primary ball carrier in Ben Johnson’s offense.

By NFL Mock Draft Database’s rankings, this was a slight reach on my part, but I really wanted Judkins and the earlier trades netting more picks makes it more palatable.

Pick #52- Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue

The Bears added two guards in Thuney and Jackson, but Thuney is 32 and Jackson is coming off a disastrous year in Los Angeles. Both are on shorter term deals and offensive line depth is important.

Marcus Mbow is an athletic offensive lineman that excels in an outside zone scheme. He’ll need to add some mass and play strength to become a full time starter in the NFL, but the potential is there.

I acquired this pick in my first round trade, adding two potential starting offensive linemen with essentially one pick, I’m quite happy with that.

ROUND THREE

*TRADE*

Trading down, once again. Dallas came calling and the offer was a bit excessive and I just couldn’t say no. I picked up another seventh round selection, number 239, AND a 2026 fifth rounder.

Pick #76- Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami-Fl

I’ll admit I wasn’t looking to add a tight end this early, but I also wasn’t expecting Elijah Arroyo to be available here.

Arroyo is a long, athletic tight end with the speed to get behind defenses. He has had injury issues, but if his medical checks are good he could be a dangerous weapon in Ben Johnson’s hands.

ROUND FOUR

The Bears lacked a fourth round pick until I picked one up in an earlier trade with Arizona.

Pick #115- Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Safety is an area of concern, for me, given the age and regression of Kevin Byard and the troubling concussion history of Jaquan Brisker.

Andrew Mukuba is an athletic, ball hawking safety that excels in zone coverage.

Though his lean frame makes him less effective in man coverage and run defense, he has shown a willingness to engage and with his play making abilities, he should be a valuable member of the secondary rotation.

ROUND FIVE

Pick #148- Chris Paul Jr, LB, Ole Miss

Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr is NOT related to the NBA superstar. What he is is an athletic linebacker prospect that excels in coverage.

With added mass and play strength, he could develop into a well rounded NFL linebacker.

This is another pick with a look to the not too distant future, wherein the Bears jettison Tremaine Edmunds and his bloated contract.

ROUND SEVEN

Pick #233- Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas

Seventh round picks are crapshoots. I think the aim here is to find under the radar prospects with a decently high ceiling. An ability to contribute on special teams is also a plus.

Mello Dotson fits the bill. Dotson has excellent ball skills and he’s an aggressive and will run defender. He needs to add play strength and refine his game to become part of the rotation at cornerback but he should be able to contribute as a special teamer while better learning to play corner in the NFL.

Pick #239- Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia

Honestly, at this point I realized I hadn’t taken an interior defensive lineman from one of the deeper classes in recent memory and I targeted one.

Nazir Stackhouse comes from a major program that has consistently produced high end NFL defensive players. However, Stackhouse’s ceiling might be considerably lower than other former Bulldogs.

Stackhouse could carve out a rotational role as an early down run defender, as he offers little in the way of pass rush. He’s a smart, disciplined player that needs to find a motor to really ascend as a player.

Pick #240- Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech

Jaylin Lane is exactly the type of receiver I look for in the seventh round. A slot receiver able to take the top off of defenses and electric with the ball in his hands. He’ll need to improve his route running and play strength to carve out a regular role, but he can earn his keep as a return man until he does.

The 2025 NFL league year is now fully underway. The Bears were aggressive, making a flurry of moves before, during and after the first wave of free agency. Let’s take a look at the moves, in ascending order of their importance, in my opinion:

• Signed TE Durham Smythe to a one year deal- Smythe is a blocking tight end that has done little as a receiver in his seven year career, all with the Dolphins. New Bears head coach, Ben Johnson, was Smythe’s position coach in Miami in 2018. Smythe is essentially the replacement for the ageless Marcedes Lewis. The Bears made this move before the start of free agency, so obviously he was a target of Ben Johnson. I’m trusting Johnson on this one. Grade: C
• I’m lumping all of the re-signings into one group. All are basically special teams players, though some also add important depth at other positions. DB Josh Blackwell tops this list. Blackwell is an ace special teamer and helped stabilize the punt returner position. He’s also the backup nickel back. LS Scott Daly replaced an injured Patrick Scales last year and did a fine job. He’s younger, has a better injury history and the fact that he crossed paths with Johnson in Detroit probably factored in to the Bears decision to retain him. LB Amen Ogbongbemiga and S Tarvarius Ward are core special teamers and second stringers at linebacker and safety, respectively. Ogbongbemiga, in fact, could push for more playing time on defense with the departure of Jack Sanborn. TE Stephen Carlson currently sits third on the depth chart at tight end, but most of his contributions will be on special teams, though he could be used as an H-back. Collectively, these re-signings are middling, but the Blackwell extension is especially noteworthy. Grade: C+

• Signed DE Dayo Odeyingbo to a three year deal. The Bears had a significant need for a defensive end opposite Montez Sweat. Odeyingbo was on my peripheral radar, but I thought the Bears might go with Chase Young due to his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The fact that they signed Odeyingbo with Young still on the market tells me that Allen preferred him. I have to trust the coach on this. Odeyingbo hasn’t quite lived up to his potential, but he’s young enough that he still could. Grade: B-
• Acquired OG Jonah Jackson from the Rams for a 2025 sixth round pick. The Bears then extended Jackson through 2027. Jackson had a massively disappointing season in 2024 after signing with the Rams. He was injured and eventually lost his starting job to a rookie. Jackson previously played in Detroit, for Ben Johnson, where he made a Pro Bowl. I’ll trust Johnson, again, and if Jackson regains his Pro Bowl form, this deal is a home run. Grade: B
• Signed WR Olamide Zaccheaus to a one year deal. Zaccheaus figures to be the Bears’ starting slot receiver, replacing Keenan Allen. Zaccheaus is no Keenan Allen, but he does add value at a bargain price, compared to the future Hall of Famer. Zaccheaus had a career year for Washington and throughout his tenure in the NFL has made big catches in key moments. He could also provide value in the return game. Grade: B
• Signed C Drew Dalman to a three year deal. In most years, landing the top center on the market would be the biggest move of the offseason for the Bears, especially given the long list of mediocrity they’ve had at the position since Olin Kreutz left in 2011. Dalman is an excellent run blocker and has improved as a pass blocker. He’s an intelligent offensive lineman that will help second year QB Caleb Williams immensely. Grade: B+

• Signed DT Grady Jarrett to a three year deal. At 32, Jarrett is still a productive player and he has more in the tank. He should be able to maintain a high level of play as the Bears use him in more of a rotation rather than in an every down role. More importantly is what Jarrett brings to the locker room and the defensive huddle. The Bears have had good, even great players on defense but they’ve lacked a true Alpha, a true leader and tone setter since Akiem Hicks left. Jarrett rectifies that. It will be readily apparent after the first week of OTAs who the leader of the defense is. Jarrett will elevate every player on the defense with just his professional and the passion with which he plays the game. Oh, and he hates Jordan Love. Grade: A

• Acquired OG Joe Thuney from the Chiefs for a 2026 fourth round pick. Thuney was a massive get for the Bears. Kansas City didn’t want to lose him, but they’re cap strapped and made a tough decision. At 32, Thuney is still an All Pro caliber guard that has a few more years of high level play. Beyond that, Thuney does for the Bears offensive line what Jarrett does for the defensive line. The Bears haven’t had a true Alpha and leader on the offensive line since Kyle Long. Thuney’s professionalism and work ethic, not to mention his championship pedigree, will inspire the rest of the Bears offensive line. If the Bears ink him to an extension, this would get a perfect grade. Grade: A

Winning the offseason means nothing. The Bears have done this three years running, but this year feels different. It started with the hiring of Ben Johnson and continued with their approach to rebuilding areas of need. For the first time in a long while, the Bears appear to have a clear vision of how they want to proceed to build this time into a championship contender. They aggressively attacked areas of need but not just by throwing money at it. They were smart and selective. They went after high character players and players that Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen hand picked. It’s okay to be excited, Bears fans, this truly feels like a fresh start.

Da Bears Build Up the Trenches

Winning the offseason doesn’t mean a thing, as Bears fans well know, but this offseason feels like a home run. It started with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach and now we’re starting to see the influence he brings. For the first time in years, it feels like the Bears have a clear vision of how they want to build this team into a contender.

The Bears needed to improve their offensive line. Ben Johnson knew it. Ryan Poles knew it. Caleb Williams knew it. The fan base knew it. Hell, the entire world knew it. How they went about it, though, speaks volumes about the change in vision.

The Bears attacked the problem aggressively, but wisely. They didn’t just throw insane money at the top free agents, they got creative.

They traded a sixth round pick to Los Angeles for Jonah Jackson. Jackson had a down year in 2024, but he was a Pro Bowler in Detroit for Ben Johnson. On its own, the trade for Jackson was a meh move, but then they made another trade.

A day after acquiring Jackson, the Bears sent a 2026 fourth round pick to Kansas City for All-Pro guard, Joe Thuney. Thuney is a clear upgrade from any guard the Bears employed in 2024. His addition suddenly made Jackson look like an upgrade as well.

The Bears finished the complete overhaul of their interior offensive line by signing the top center on the open market, former Falcon Drew Dalman. Dalman is a massive upgrade at center, where the Bears have employed a long line of mediocrity for the last decade.

There’s still work to do. Depth pieces to be added, a possible upgrade at left tackle, but the draft is still to come and the Bears hold three picks in the top 45 and four in the top 75. The Bears remade their biggest weakness, however, and they did it economically, which allowed them to address other areas of need.

Once they had the interior offensive line settled, they shifted focus to the defensive side of the trenches. Another well known fact was that the Bears needed another pass rusher to free Montez Sweat from double teams.

Even though the Bears had the cap space and the resources to trade for a high end pass rusher, like Trey Hendrickson, I knew they wouldn’t allocate their resources that way.

I bought into the smoke of the rumors of the Return of the Mack, Khalil Mack, who ultimately did return to the Los Angeles Chargers. I didn’t think they’d be willing to go high enough to land the widely considered top edge rusher on the market, Josh Sweat, who eventually signed with Arizona.

I figured they’d target a younger player, who had shown flashes but hadn’t quite lived up to his potential, yet. I figured it to be Chase Young, because of his connection to new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.

Instead, the Bears chose former Colt, Dayo Odeyingbo. Odeyingbo was on my peripheral radar, but was still a mild surprise. He meets Dennis Allen’s preferred physical profile for an edge rusher and he’s shown flashes of being a disruptive pass rusher. I still think the Bears will add another edge in the draft.

The Bears weren’t done, though. Hours after the Falcons released Grady Jarrett, the Bears signed him to a three year deal. Jarrett is on the wrong side of thirty, but still a disruptive and at times dominant force on the interior defensive line.

In less than a week, the Bears vastly improved on both sides of the line of scrimmage. They still have needs, a third receiver, a veteran backup quarterback, tight end and offensive line depth and perhaps a safety, but it was an encouraging start to the Ben Johnson era.

Quarterback Carousel Spins and Its Not Finished Yet

The carousel got off to a false start when the Rams gave Matthew Stafford permission to explore a trade. They ultimately reconciled and realized they were better off together. The wheels really started spinning when the Seahawks surprisingly traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.

I love the deal for the Raiders, and for Smith who reunites with head coach, Pete Carroll.

The Seattle Seahawks quickly filled their quarterback void by signing former Viking, Sam Darnold. This move was inevitable once they traded Smith. Darnold was the top quarterback on the open market, but I don’t love the move for Seattle. Darnold is younger and cheaper than Smith, but he’s really just a one year wonder. I think the Seahawks are taking the kind of gamble that costs general managers and head coaches their jobs.

The Steelers apparently wanted Justin Fields back, but in hindsight, I don’t think that was ever going to happen. Being benched for Russell Wilson, after a 4-2 start and then watching the Steelers stick with Wilson as the offense sputtered down the stretch probably sealed Fields’ exit from the Steel City.

Pittsburgh’s loss is the New York Jets gain. I’m a Justin Fields fan and I love this move for him and the Jets. Fields has his flaws, but he deserves to be a starting quarterback in this league, on an offense built around his strengths. The Jets will give that to him, and this time next year I might be writing about the Jets giving him a big time extension.

The Indianapolis Colts brought in former Vikings backup and Giants starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, as competition for third year pro, Anthony Richardson. Color me unimpressed. Look, we know what Daniel Jones is and what he isn’t. If Richardson wins the job, it doesn’t exactly mean he’s ready to be the franchise quarterback the Colts drafted him to be. If Jones wins the job, the Colts will be looking for their next franchise quarterback next offseason.

The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns, where he’s nominally the starter, for now. Pickett is just a placeholder. Is it until Deshaun Watson returns from his torn Achilles, which likely won’t be until 2026, or until a rookie is ready to take the reins? Watson has been terrible for the Browns, he was quite simply the worst starting quarterback in the NFL last season before his injury. Expecting anything from him moving forward is more foolish than the trade to acquire him and the contract they gave him. Time to cut their losses.

I believe the Browns will take a quarterback in the draft. Perhaps with the second overall pick, but they also have the first pick of the second round, where they could also land one.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants still need a starting quarterback, and the Tennessee Titans probably do, as well. I think the Steelers and Giants are waiting on Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers fall back option is bringing back Russell Wilson, while the Giants will either look to the draft or explore a trade for the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins.

The Titans hold the number one pick and the number 35 pick, they can easily target a quarterback with those picks. I also think they could be a low key contender to trade for Cousins.

The Washington Commanders Are Going For It

Hey, Jerry Jones, this is what “All In” looks like. The Washington Commanders have a dynamic franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, Jayden Daniels, coming off a run to the NFC Championship Game. This is the perfect time to spend a bit wildly and make bold moves to get to the Super Bowl.

They started early, acquiring Deebo Samuel from San Francisco two weeks ago. Samuel isn’t the same caliber player he was in his prime, but he can still be a valuable weapon in this offense.

The Commanders then re-signed some key veterans on both sides of the ball, linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz. Both took rather team friendly deals to run it back.

Releasing Jonathan Allen and replacing him with Javon Kinlaw was questionable, but probably freed up enough cap space for the Commanders to make their big move.

Laremy Tunsil may be the best left tackle in the NFL, at the very least he’s in the conversation. His addition vastly improves the Commanders offensive line. He makes their offense better and he makes the team better. An absolutely huge addition to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Receiver Market is Quiet

Sure, there were a couple noteworthy trades, like the previously mentioned Deebo Samuel trade to Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers acquisition of DK Metcalf from Seattle.

The Steelers have been searching for an alpha receiver since last offseason, and they landed one in Metcalf. Whoever winds up as the Steelers quarterback should love throwing to Metcalf and George Pickens.

Davante Adams was personally recruited to the Los Angeles Rams by head coach, Sean McVay as a replacement and upgrade for Cooper Kupp.

DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens for a minimal deal, as it appears he continues to seek a Super Bowl ring.

Chris Godwin left a considerable amount of money on the table to return to the only NFL home he’s ever known, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Beyond that, there’s been nothing truly noteworthy. Big names, such as Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper and Tyler Lockett are still on the board. Cooper Kupp is poised to join that group as it appears the Rams will release him if a last minute trade doesn’t materialize.

I can see the Seattle Seahawks as a possible landing spot for Diggs or Allen. The Dallas Cowboys could be in play for Diggs, while the Los Angeles Chargers or Arizona Cardinals could make sense for Allen.

A return to the Buffalo Bills would make sense for Cooper, while a reunion with Pete Carroll and Geno Smith with the Las Vegas Raiders seems inevitable for Lockett.

Kupp is not the same player he was in his prime, but he could thrive in a Julian Edelman type role with the New England Patriots.

Have Cap Space Will Spend It

The New England Patriots had the most cap space available in the NFL and they spent like it, mostly on the defensive side, and I don’t think they’re done yet.

The Patriots won the bidding war for the biggest fish in the free agent pond, former Eagle Milton Williams. They also reunited former Titans edge rusher, Harold Landry, with head coach Mike Vrabel while also luring linebacker, Robert Spillane away from the Raiders and cornerback, Carlton Davis, from the Lions.

On the offensive side, they brought in former Jets tackle, Morgan Moses and former Bills receiver and touchdown machine, Mack Hollins.

Minnesota Aims to Take the North

Once the Minnesota Vikings lost Sam Darnold to free agency, I guess they decided to put the best team money could buy on the field for what is essentially a rookie quarterback in second year man, JJ McCarthy.

Re-signing Aaron Jones was a no brainer. He’s the modern day Frank Gore. Ageless. The do it all back might actually be getting better, in fact.

Re-signing cornerback Byron Murphy was also an easy decision. Keeping your best cover man in a division with some lethal aerial attacks, was a must.

After that, the Vikings started shopping. They landed former Colts center, Ryan Kelly on a reasonable deal. Later, the brought in his former Colts teammate, guard Will Fries, on a not so reasonable deal. Kelly and Fries will make the Vikings offensive line better, but they may come to regret the Fries contract.

The Vikings also built up the defensive side of the line of scrimmage, signing former Commanders Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen and former 49er Javon Hargrave. The already formidable Vikings defense got even more stout, especially if Hargrave has anything left in the tank.

What the Hell Are They Doing?

The offensive line was a problem for the Houston Texans in 2024, how they chose to address it is head scratching.

They traded away their best offensive lineman, and one of the best tackles in the NFL, Laremy Tunsil, and also shipped out guard, Kenyon Greene for safety, CJ Gardner-Johnson. That second move is more understandable, given how disappointing Green has been. The Tunsil trade, however, makes no sense.

The Texans, thus far, have only brought in guard Laken Tomlinson, a meh move, at best.

There are still some decent offensive lineman on the market, and there’s the draft at the end of April, but so far, the Texans have actually weakened their biggest weakness.

The Indianapolis Colts said they wanted to bring in competition to push third year quarterback, Anthony Richardson. They settled on former Viking and Giant, Daniel Jones.

I understand that Jones has a ton of starting experience. I know he had that one pretty good year, but seriously, we know what Daniel Jones is and what he isn’t. I wrote about this earlier, and I’ll reiterate, Jones does not help the Colts one bit, unless he gets them to pull the plug on Richardson one year earlier.

As far as I’m concerned, the Colts will be in search of their franchise quarterback next year at this time. Daniel Jones all but ensures that.

The Tennessee Titans demonstrated why it’s not a good idea to go fishing in the free agent left tackle pond, when they threw 80 million at former Steeler, Dan Moore Jr, essentially because he was the best offensive tackle on the market.

Moore is a fine, average left tackle, but the Titans are paying him more than the Ravens or Rams paid to retain Ronnie Stanley and Alaric Jackson, respectively. Both Stanley and Jackson are superior players.

The Kansas City Chiefs are another team with offensive line issues that have addressed the need in a questionable fashion.

Retaining guard Trey Smith was understandable, but because of their cap situation, it forced them to trade away the better guard, All Pro Joe Thuney. Still, I can’t fault the Chiefs. Smith is younger and ascending, he’s just entering his prime, while Thuney is older and only has one year left on his contract.

Where I will find fault is giving starter money to a left tackle that’s only started nine games in three years. Former 49er, Jaylon Moore doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that the Chiefs have solved their issues on Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

General Manager, Brett Veach, and Head Coach, Andy Reid, have a proven track record of success, so I guess we should trust them on this.

Speaking of General Managers we should trust, I have to think that Philadelphia Eagles GM has something cooking. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Eagles have lost key defensive pieces in Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to free agency. They released starting cornerback Darius Slay as well as backup James Bradberry. They trade away safety CJ Gardner-Johnson.

They also seem prepared to lose starting guard, Mekhi Becton.

All the Eagles have done is re-sign linebacker, Zack Baun and add a third string quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and another reclamation project for the offensive line, Kenyon Green.

I think the Eagles are clearing cap space for a splash move and my instincts say it could be a trade for Bengals edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

Former 49er Aaron Banks has been a slightly better than league average guard, but the Green Bay Packers are paying him like a Pro Bowler. On a positive note, it probably drove up the price the rival Vikings had to pay for Will Fries.

The San Francisco 49ers seem to be heading for a full rebuild. They traded wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, let starting guard, Aaron Banks and cornerback, Charvarius Ward, walk in free agency.

They released fullback Kyle Juszczyk, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and edge rusher, Leonard Floyd.

And they’ve brought in no one if significance.

All of this, it seems, is preparation for the imminent extension of quarterback Brock Purdy. If I’m the Niners brass, however, I’d wait to see how he performs with a depleted supporting cast before paying him like a superstar quarterback.

The Bears continue to try to build a competitive team around second year quarterback, Caleb Williams. A new coaching staff, lead by head coach, Ben Johnson, will remake multiple facets of the team to their own standards.

Going into the offseason, the entire world knew that upgrading the offensive line was the top priority in Chicago. They got a jump start on that by acquiring guards Jonah Jackson from the LA Rams and Joe Thuney from the Chiefs. There is still work to be done, including center and a possible upgrade at left tackle, but the need doesn’t seem as pressing anymore.

Adding a pass rushing edge to complement Montez Sweat was another item high on the Bears priority list. Given the fact that the Bears hold the tenth overall pick and two early second round picks, I’m not sure they’ll break the bank in free agency on an edge rusher.

Interior defensive line could use some upgrades, but it’s a weak free agent class and a strong draft class, so I doubt they’ll go fishing in that pond. Ditto for adding running back and tight end depth.

With that being said, here’s what I expect to see from the Bears in the coming days:

Edge Rusher

If the Bears are going to make a splash in free agency, here’s where I think they might do it. The biggest splash would be signing Josh Sweat from the Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles. I wouldn’t be totally shocked, but I think it’s a long shot that Chicago spends the kind of money it would require to land Sweat.

In my Free Agency Bold Predictions piece, I have the Bears signing Chase Young from the New Orleans Saints. Young has familiarity with new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, and is still young enough to have intriguing upside. He should command a relatively inexpensive salary compared to top tier edge rushers.

Pairing a Young signing with second year pro, Austin Booker and an early round draft pick would satisfy me. Booker has intriguing upside as a pass rusher and the Bears’ picks in the first two rounds give them an opportunity to land an impactful rookie pass rusher.

While signing Young and drafting an edge is a solid plan, I cannot help but be intrigued by a reunion with Khalil Mack. Reports state that Mack has interest in returning to Chicago and it seems that the interest may be mutual.

Mack, at age 34, will no longer command a top tier salary, but how much less is he willing to take and how high are the Bears willing to go for a rotational pass rusher.

If the price is right, I’m all for a Return of the Mack, and drafting an edge in the early rounds of the draft.

Prediction– Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I think the Bears will bring Khalil Mack back to Chicago on a reasonable deal and then target an edge early in the draft.

Offensive Line

The Bears went a long way towards fixing their offensive line with the acquisitions of Jackson and Thuney. Center, left tackle and depth are now the only glaring issues.

Offensive tackle is a vast wasteland in free agency. The Bears are better off not wading into that pond and instead looking at the draft for an upgrade.

Two weeks ago, I would have told you that the Atlanta Falcons’ Drew Dalman was priority number one in free agency. Now, I’m far less certain. Dalman will have multiple suitors, causing his price tag to become inflated.

The Raiders are set to release Andre James, which is another intriguing name. He may challenge Dalman for the honor of top center on the market.

I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing back Coleman Shelton, provided they target either North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel or Georgia’s Jared Wilson in the draft.

I’m hearing rumors, from sources in Indianapolis, that the Colts’ Ryan Kelly is a Bears target, on a short term deal. Like Shelton, I think a Kelly signing would require targeting the aforementioned Zabel or Wilson in the draft.

Green Bay’s Josh Myers and New Orleans’ Connor McGovern are also names to think about, but I consider them long shots.

Prediction– Once again, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I liked the idea of bringing back Shelton as a placeholder/quality backup, but Kelly would be an upgrade. At 32 years old, Kelly would only be a short term solution so I’d like to see the Bears find a way to land Georgia’s Jared Wilson in the draft.

Wide Receiver

Keenan Allen will likely be playing elsewhere in 2025, giving the Bears a need for a number three receiver behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

The Bears will not be shopping in the upper echelons of the receiver market, they’ll be bargain shopping for fit and upside.

Jacksonville’s Josh Reynolds and Detroit’s Tim Patrick both have history with new head coach, Ben Johnson, and both would make sense as an inexpensive third receiver on a short term deal.

Cleveland’s Elijah Moore and Washington’s Dyami Brown both have intriguing upside that could complement the Bears top two receivers. I think Brown’s playoffs run might have put him out of Chicago’s price range, however.

Tennessee’s Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a name I like, a lot, but I’ve heard nothing on that front. Just a name to watch.

Prediction– Call it a hunch, but I think Ben Johnson will want to bring in a familiar face that he can rely on as his do it all third receiver. Tim Patrick played for Johnson in Detroit last season and embraced and excelled at his role. I think he’ll join him in Chicago.

Quarterback

Caleb Williams is the franchise quarterback the Bears have long searched for. Lost in the Bears drama in 2024 and overshadowed by Jayden Daniels’ incredible rookie season in Washington, is the fact that Williams had a pretty good rookie season. Don’t forget that he came within a Hail Mary of leading a strong comeback victory against Daniels and the Commanders. He’s also the reason Ben Johnson chose Chicago.

I think the Bears have legitimate interest in adding a veteran voice to their quarterback room. Tyson Bagent is a decent back up, but he’s only entering his third season. What can he do to help Williams on his path to being a franchise quarterback?

There’s a couple veteran back up quarterbacks that could make a ton of sense, including Indianapolis’ Joe Flacco and Carolina’ Andy Dalton. However, in my mind, one name makes more sense than any other.

Prediction– Teddy Bridgewater came out retirement to back up Jared Goff in Detroit for the stretch drive last season. Ben Johnson knows him and he knows Ben Johnson’s offense. If he doesn’t go back into retirement he would be the perfect veteran voice to add to the QB room.

Now I’ll take a quick look at other positions that I don’t expect the Bears to be major players for:

Interior Defensive Line– The 2025 draft class is quite deep with interior defensive linemen, while the free agent class is rather shallow. A small move or two here wouldn’t surprise me, but I’m not expecting anything.

Running Back– Much like the defensive line, the running back draft class is strong, while the free agent crop is weak. The Bears could use another running back, but I expect them to address that in the draft.

Tight End– The Bears already signed Durham Smythe, so I don’t expect any other moves here, unless they bring back the ageless Marcedes Lewis. They could target a tight end in the draft.

Secondary– Secondary is probably the strongest position group for the Chicago Bears, but there could be a low key need at safety given Kevin Byard’s age and Jaquan Brisker’s injury history. Free agency is not where this will be addressed unless Byard gets released.

Linebacker– Unless they surprisingly release Tremaine Edmunds or TJ Edwards, the Bears will not be shopping for a linebacker this year. Depth could be added, but that could also come in the draft.

Well, this one threw me for a loop. The news dropped just as I was heading to work Friday night and I haven’t had a chance to write my thoughts down until now.

My bold predictions for free agency got off to a hot start. I predicted that Matthew Stafford would stay in L.A., I also predicted Alaric Jackson, Bobby Wagner, LaVonte David & Zack Baun would all re-sign with their respective teams. Furthermore, I predicted that Kansas City would retain Trey Smith and Cincinnati would retain Tee Higgins, and both were franchise tagged.

Most impressively, I called the trade of Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

I did miss on Baltimore re-signing Ronnie Stanley, Washington re-signing Zach Ertz and Cincinnati re-signing Mike Gesicki.

Then the big shock happened. I predicted the Raiders would trade for a veteran quarterback, but I predicted it would be Kirk Cousins. I never had Geno Smith on my radar.

Now that the big trade has happened, it’s caused me to reconsider my predictions for quarterbacks. Some other nuggets of information have caused me to change my mind on some of these quarterback predictions.

First, I’ve come to believe that Atlanta may not trade Cousins. Furthermore, Pittsburgh seems likely to let Justin Fields test free agency, and I think that means they’ll likely lose him. Of course, Seattle is now also in the QB market, as well.

Let’s start with the Seahawks. I don’t think Seattle makes this trade without having a plan in place for the game’s most important position. The Seahawks have the 18th pick in the draft, so unless they plan on making a move for Shedeur Sanders or surprising everyone by taking Jaxson Dart, they’re likely going to trade for one or land one in free agency. I don’t think a trade is in the cards, so it’ll most likely be a free agent.

Sam Darnold remains the top quarterback that could possibly hit free agency. Could Seattle be prepared to outbid the other suitors? Possibly, but it’s no guarantee. I think they could also be suitors for Fields.

I predicted that the New York Giants would land Darnold, but I’m hearing they could be leaning towards Aaron Rodgers, if he decides he wants to keep playing. I think they’re still a possibility for Darnold, and I think they could also be suitors for Fields. The Giants also hold the third pick in the draft, which puts them firmly in a prime spot to draft a quarterback.

Pittsburgh will probably have to bring back Russell Wilson, if they lose Fields. Luckily, for them, I don’t think Wilson will have a robust market.

A wildcard in all of this is the Tennessee Titans. They hold the number one pick in the draft and could easily take a quarterback, but what if they would jump into the veteran quarterback market?

Sticking with the spirit of bold predictions, here’s some revised bold predictions for the quarterback market.

Bold Predictions- Steelers re-sign Russell Wilson. Bears sign Teddy Bridgewater.

Bolder Predictions- Seahawks sign Justin Fields. Jets sign Jameis Winston. Browns sign Mac Jones. Dolphins sign Trey Lance.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Sam Darnold & trade the number one pick to the NY Giants. Aaron Rodgers retires.

Whoa! Okay this is a big one. I don’t have to twist myself in knots to point out the upside of this trade for the Bears.

Thuney is a major upgrade for the interior offensive line. If Jonah Jackson can recover his pre-2024 form, the Bears could have one of the better guard tandems in the NFL.

Does this mean the Bears are out of the free agent offensive line market? Probably not entirely. I’m not sure they shell out the big bucks for Drew Dalman anymore, they might go for a less expensive option at center. Indy’s Ryan Kelly comes to mind. Jackson also has experience at center.

Maybe Detroit’s Kevin Zeitler is still an option.

Maybe Chicago now shifts focus to their other needs, edge rusher, perhaps ?

Josh Sweat is going to get paid, will it be by the Bears? Are the rumors about a reunion with Khalil Mack more than just smoke?

What does this mean for the draft? I think offensive line is still in play for the first round, but I’m also now pretty certain the Bears will add another running back.

Ben Johnson is going to try to build a reasonable facsimile of the Lions’ Sonic & Knuckles rushing attack, and Chicago’s current backs are not there. There’s upgrades to be had in the draft, up to and including Ashton Jeanty who I think is now firmly an option in the first round.

News just recently broke that the Chicago Bears are acquiring offensive guard, Jonah Jackson, from the Los Angeles Rams for a sixth round pick. The very pick that the Bears acquired for Justin Fields last year.

My initial reaction is to be a little underwhelmed. I’ve seen Ryan Poles take the cheaper option on the offensive line way too often, and it’s never worked in the Bears favor.

Ryan Bates, Lucas Patrick, Coleman Shelton, the list goes on. Not to mention his one big swing on the line, signing Nate Davis, which was an unmitigated disaster.

As I thought more about it, though, I’ve come to like the deal a little more. The price paid was small, and the salary owed is relatively low. Jackson is still just 28 and has had success in a Ben Johnson offense before.

If his struggles last year were mostly due to injuries and he can remain healthy, this could be a steal.

This also doesn’t necessarily take the Bears out of the free agent guard market. Though they probably won’t spend big bucks on top guys like Will Fries or Mekhi Becton, I’m okay with that. Both come with questions and will cost a lot more. Chicago could still possibly land Kevin Zeitler and another starting quality guard in the draft.

Where I really come to like this deal is the realization that while Chicago might not spend big free agency bucks on a guard, it could signal that they’re preparing to spend it elsewhere.

Even before the Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged Trey Smith, I’ve believed that the Bears biggest focus should be on center.

Since Olin Kreutz retired we’ve seen a procession of mediocrity at center. Roberto Garza had a couple decent seasons. Cody Whitehair was average for a year or two. Sam Mustipher had half a decent season before he became a joke. Lucas Patrick never showed me a damn thing. Coleman Shelton wasn’t awful and I’d be okay to see him return as depth, but the Bears need to find a long term answer at center.

Even when Trey Smith was available, I considered Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman a high priority free agent target. With Smith off the market, Dalman is the clear top target. I can only hope Ryan Poles agrees.

I still have hopes that the Bears can vastly improve their offensive line in free agency and the draft and the trade for Jackson is a small step in that direction.