Here we are, it’s finally draft week. For the first time in recent memory, I have no clue what the Bears will do in the first round. Usually by this time I have a pretty good idea, maybe not the exact player but the position. This year, no idea.

That’s a credit to the work Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have done thus far. There is no glaring hole on this roster. The Bears can go in so many different directions. For once, they are actually in a position to take the best player available.

I went into this mock with three players as locks for the Bears to take if they’re available at ten. Those players are LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham & Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

I don’t really expect any of those three to be available, and they weren’t in this mock. When the Bears went on the clock at ten, the best player on the board was Penn State tight end, Tyler Warren.

I like Warren, a lot, but the Bears have Cole Kmet. Is tight end really the best use of their first round pick, even when he’s as good as Warren?

My gut told me no, so I listened to offers. I accepted one from the Indianapolis Colts.

TRADE

Colts receiver pick #10

Bears receiver picks #14 & 80

I figured the Colts were moving up for Warren, and my focus shifted to Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr & North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.

Imagine my surprise when Indianapolis selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Four picks later, when the Bears were back on the clock, it felt like fate and I didn’t fight it anymore.

Round One, Pick #14

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

While I was reluctant to use a first round pick on a tight end, partly out of my affinity for Cole Kmet, there is no denying that Warren is one of the best players in this draft.

A creative play caller like Ben Johnson will have a lot of fun with Warren and maximize his vast potential. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Warren could be this year’s Brock Bowers.

This pick makes me a little sad because it could signal the end of Kmet’s Bears tenure. The one-two punch of Warren and Kmet will be fun this season, but Kmet could become a cap casualty next offseason. Warren is a clear upgrade and the Bears could save valuable cap space by moving on from Kmet next year.

That being said, this was the right pick, especially since I was able to add an extra third round pick and still land him.

Round Two, Pick #39

Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

The Bears caught another stroke of luck with Conerly still being on the board at thirty nine. This was my easiest pick in this mock draft.

Conerly is young and relatively raw, but his potential is immense. Review the tape of his performance against Penn State’s superstar edge, Abdul Carter, and you’ll see it.

Conerly needs to add play strength and further develop his technique, but the good news is that the Bears don’t need him to be a day one starter at left tackle.

Braxton Jones is the incumbent left tackle and he should be ready for the start of the season. The Bears also have last year’s third round pick, Kiran Amegadjie, so they can take it slow with Conerly, hopefully.

Jones will likely depart Chicago next offseason and Conerly should be ready to take over full time left tackle duties.

This is a tremendous pick that I’m very happy with.

Round Two, Pick #41

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

While I might be unsure of what the Bears will do with their first pick of this draft, there are three things I’m certain of. I feel extremely confident that the Bears will pick an offensive tackle, a running back and a defensive tackle in this draft. In this mock, they’ve gotten two of the three in the second round.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the clear number one running back in this class, but I doubt he makes it to the Bears pick in the first round. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton should also be a first rounder, but he’s a stretch at ten or even fourteen.

The Ohio State tandem of Henderson and Quinshon Judkins aren’t that far behind. I specified my preference for Judkins in earlier writings. I just think he’d complement D’Andre Swift and give the Bears a power element to their backfield that they currently lack.

The Bears, however, seem to prefer Henderson according to reports. It’s understandable. Henderson has drawn comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs, who Ben Johnson coached in Detroit. Henderson has three down capabilities and he might well be the best pass blocking running back in this draft.

I’m very happy with this pick, even if I personally prefer Judkins.

Round Three, Pick #72

TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina

This is a very deep defensive tackle class and I’m sure the Bears will grab one. Here, they pick Sanders, who offers potential three down value.

Though a bit undersized than a classic run stuffer, Sanders is an adept run defender and offers some juice as a pass rusher. He should find a role in the Bears defensive line rotation.

TRADE

Rams receive picks #80 & 240

Bears receive picks #90 & 127

The Bears acquired the eightieth pick from Indianapolis in their first round trade, the offer of a fourth round pick to move down ten spots is too good to pass up.

Round Three Pick #90

Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

The Bears have an underrated, if not pressing need at safety. Kevin Byard is 32 and clearly on the downside of his career. Jaquan Brisker has a concerning history of concussions. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks are both solid backups and special teamers but neither appears to be a long term starter.

Ransom is a smart, physical safety that excels in run support and intermediate coverage. He doesn’t possess top end speed, but his football smarts usually have him in good position.

Ransom should develop into a plus starter at safety for the Bears.

Round Four, Pick #127

Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon

I have the Bears double dipping into this deep defensive tackle class because I think they might have more need there than originally thought.

I have a feeling that Gervon Dexter is going to transition to defensive end, leaving the Bears thin on the interior. New addition Grady Jarrett is still a good pass rusher and Andrew Billings is a stout run defender, but neither are three down guys at this point of their careers. The rest of the Bears defensive line room are rotational depth pieces.

While their earlier pick at defensive tackle, TJ Sanders, does profile as a three down player, he is actually better as a pass rusher. Caldwell, on the other hand, is a classic run stuffer.

With Billings in the final year of his contract, Caldwell could be positioned as his heir apparent, while playing a rotational role as a rookie.

Round Five, Pick #148

Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State

The outside cornerback spot opposite Jaylon Johnson is a question mark. Tyrique Stevenson has flashed potential, but his game really regressed down the stretch in 2024. He became a liability.

Maybe a change in coaching staffs can resurrect his career, but having a backup plan is a good idea.

Black has good size and excellent speed and has shown good traits. There are elements of his game that need improvement, but he’s well worth a fifth round pick.

Round Seven, Pick #233

Willie Lampkin, IOL, North Carolina

Lampkin is vastly undersized to be an NFL lineman, but he’s just a damn good football player.

To put it away Bears fans will completely understand, Willie Lampkin is the exact opposite of Nate Davis. If you could fill out a roster with guys that play with the passion and determination of Lampkin, you’d win multiple Super Bowls.

His lack of size limits his prospects, but he could find a role as a backup center or he is athletic enough to convert to fullback.

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).

I have covered the offensive & defensive lines, running backs, receivers & tight ends and the secondary in previous posts. In this final post, I’ll cover linebackers.

The Bears don’t have a pressing need at linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards are firmly entrenched as starters. However, Edwards is in the final year of his contract and Edmunds has never lived up to his and is a likely cap casualty next offseason.

Also, the departure of Jack Sanborn in free agency has left them a little thin at linebacker. The Bears could look ahead to 2026 and draft an eventual starter or just add depth for this season.

With only seven picks, they can’t draft every position, but linebacker should be under consideration.

FIRST ROUND

Georgia’s Jalon Walker isn’t exactly a scheme fit for the Bears, as he’s more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/edge rusher, but he’s good enough to strongly consider in the first round. He has the athletic chops to be either a high end edge rusher or off ball linebacker, or a hybrid of both.

Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell as projects as more of a 3-4 outside linebacker/ edge rusher and his upside is considerably lower than Walker. Even with a trade down, I’d prefer the Bears pass since there should be equal or better players available at more important positions.

DAY TWO

Day two of the draft is the most likely time the Bears could draft an eventual starter at linebacker.

UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger is a former walk on that worked himself up to an All American. He has the instinct and traits to become a solid WILL or MIKE linebacker, and he offers value on special teams as he waits for his chance to start.

Clemson’s Barrett Carter has the athleticism to become a quality WILL linebacker in the NFL.

Ole Miss’ Chris Paul Jr is a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker, but has the athleticism and traits to become a starter at WILL.

South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight is a very intelligent and passionate player. He is an elite run defender and blitzer, but struggles a bit in man to man coverage. He does have a future as a starting MIKE linebacker.

DAY THREE PROSPECTS

There will still be quality linebacker prospects with starting upside available on day three of the draft. Here’s a few names to remember:

• Smael Mondon Jr, Georgia
• Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
• Teddye Buchanan, California
• Jack Kiser, Notre Dame
• Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
• Jay Higgins, Iowa
• Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
• Kobe King, Penn State
• Cody Simon, Ohio State

While I like the idea of the Bears getting ahead of the need at linebacker, I don’t think they should spend a first or second round pick at the position.

The third round might be the sweet spot. Schwesinger, Carter, Paul or Knight would all be fine picks that will eventually take over at MIKE or WILL.

Day three offers some enticing depth options. I’m especially intrigued by Kobe King and Cody Simon.

This wraps up my positional breakdowns for the draft. Now we wait until the Chicago Bears go on the clock on April 24.

In this mock draft, I’ll present my dream scenario. This would be the perfect draft, in my opinion. Next week I’ll do a mock with the picks I think will actually happen. For now, we dream.

First Round

With the tenth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Will Campbell, offensive tackle, LSU.

This is actually more plausible than you might think, still unlikely perhaps, but not impossible. Here’s how I have the first nine picks:

1. Tennessee Titans select Cam Ward, quarterback, Miami.
2. Cleveland Browns select Abdul Carter, defensive end, Penn State.
3. New York Giants select Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Colorado.
4. New England Patriots select Travis Hunter, cornerback/ wide receiver, Colorado.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars select Mason Graham, defensive tackle, Michigan.
6. Las Vegas Raiders select Ashton Jeanty, running back, Boise State.
7. New York Jets select Tyler Warren, tight end, Penn State.
8. Carolina Panthers select Jalon Walker, linebacker, Georgia.
9. New Orleans Saints select Jaxson Dart, quarterback, Ole Miss.

Does any of that sound impossible? Is it wishful thinking? Perhaps, but you can’t say it’s far fetched.

Tennessee going with Ward has been fait accompli for weeks. There’s no surprise there.

There are only two blue chip, can’t miss players in this draft: Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. Cleveland could go with either, and it doesn’t matter who they choose, but my money is on Carter.

I’m 50/50 on whether the NY Giants will pick a quarterback or the blue chip talent that Cleveland doesn’t take. For my dream scenario to play out, I need the Giants to go with Sanders.

This leaves either Carter or Hunter for New England. They won’t pass. However, if the Giants pass on quarterback, the Patriots are very likely taking Campbell.

Jacksonville could go offensive line, but most analysts agree it’ll be defense for the Jaguars at five.

Las Vegas is another team that could go offensive line, but I do think they’ll go Jeanty, one of the five best players in this draft.

The NY Jets very well might go offensive tackle here, but I think there’s a very good chance they could opt for Missouri’s Armand Membou over Campbell. There are no questions about Membou’s ability to play tackle in the NFL, the only concern with him is that he’s exclusively been a right tackle. The Jets just so happen to need a right tackle.

Most analysts believe that Carolina will go defense. It could be any defensive player, but I’m picking Walker.

I’ve been mocking a QB to New Orleans even before the news about Derek Carr’s season being in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury. Now, I’m firmly convinced they’ll take a QB, I just need it to be the third one instead of the second.

And, there we have it, Campbell is still on the board at ten. The Bears better be sprinting to the podium with this pick.

There are some questions about whether Campbell’s arm length will force him to move inside to guard in the NFL. Personally, I think he’ll stick at tackle and be a damn good one.

He played in the juggernaut SEC, weekly facing off with NFL caliber pass rushers and more than holding his own.

The fact is, in my opinion, Will Campbell is the best offensive lineman in this class, period. He could be the final piece in the Bears offensive line rebuild and their long term answer at left tackle.

If I’m wrong about his ability to stick at tackle, then he becomes a long term All Pro caliber guard. Sure, the Bears just traded for two starting guards in Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, but neither are signed long term at this point.

Thuney is 32 years old and has not signed an extension, yet. He could be a free agent next offseason. Jackson, meanwhile, is signed through 2027, but there is no guarantee that he will recover his former Pro Bowl form.

But, I digress, Will Campbell will be a high quality left tackle and he’ll help make the Bears biggest weakness in 2024 into a strength of the 2025 team

Second Round

With the thirty ninth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Donovan Ezeiruaku, defensive end, Boston College.

Personally, I don’t think Ezeiruaku makes it out of the first round, but this is the dream scenario mock and I have seen mock drafts that have him still available when the Bears go on the clock on day two of the draft.

Even if available, the likelihood of the Bears taking Ezeiruaku is slim. New Bears defensive coordinator prefers bigger defensive ends and Ezeiruaku is built more like a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end.

But I’m making the picks here, not Dennis Allen. The fact is that Ezeiruaku can flat out rush the passer. His 16.5 sacks were second in the entire FBS last year. The Bears need players that can consistently harass the quarterback and turn those pressures into sacks.

I think Ezeiruaku is that guy and if Allen is as good a defensive coordinator as the experts say, he’ll find ways to utilize Ezeiruaku’s talents.

I’d consider a defensive tackle here, if Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen or Michigan’s Kenneth Grant are still on the board.

With the forty first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Quinshon Judkins, running back, Ohio State.

There’s no wishful thinking on availability with this pick. In fact, the Bears could have their pick of running backs not named Ashton Jeanty in the second round, though I suspect North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will go in the first round.

This pick actually comes down to two Ohio State running backs, Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, both would be fine additions, but my preference is Judkins.

Judkins is a bruising, punishing north-south runner that wears down defenses and takes over games. With Judkins as lead back, the Bears won’t be consistently behind the sticks like they so often were with D’Andre Swift as the featured back.

With the addition of Judkins, Swift can be more of a change of pace, home run threat back. Swift would be a poor man’s version of Jahmyr Gibbs to Judkins’ David Montgomery as Ben Johnson recreates the Sonic & Knuckles rushing attack that he had in Detroit.

Third Round

With the seventy second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas.

This is a very good class of defensive tackles and I would love for the Bears to come out of day two of the draft with one.

The Bears should have some pretty good ones to choose from in the third round. In addition to Collins, Toledo’s Darius Alexander, Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott, Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner and Kentucky’s Deone Walker should all be available.

I like Collins because I think he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s already a plus run defender and he’s flashed some juice as an interior pass rusher.

With some pro seasoning, good coaching and mentoring by a consummate professional like Grady Jarrett, I think Collins’ ceiling is very high. Potentially Pro Bowl high.

Fifth Round

With the one hundred forty eighth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Malachi Moore, safety, Alabama.

I think safety is an underrated need for the Bears. Kevin Byard will be 32 this season and he’s clearly on the downside of his career. Jaquan Brisker missed the final twelve games in 2024 due to a concussion, the third of his NFL career.

Their depth at safety is okay with Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks, but neither feel like long term starting options.

I’m not implying that Moore will become a starter in the NFL, let alone a plus starter, but the Bears have had good luck with day three Alabama safeties before. Eddie Jackson was a fourth round pick and enjoyed several stellar seasons in Chicago.

Moore is excellent in coverage and a willing, if not always effective, run defender.

Seventh Round

With the two hundred thirty third pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Cody Simon, linebacker, Ohio State.

I highly doubt that Simon lasts until the seventh round, but this is a dream scenario mock draft and landing a good depth piece that can contribute on special teams and may eventually earn a starting role at linebacker would be dream.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, Simon has shorter arms that could lower his draft stock. Will it push him into the seventh round? Who knows?

What I do know is that Simon can play football. As a seventh round pick, even if he’s just a high end special teamer, this would be a win.

With the two hundred fortieth pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Ricky White III, wide receiver, UNLV.

White has two things that make him an enticing seventh round pick. The first is speed. He may be lacking in size and play strength, but he has speed and could find a role as a deep threat.

White is also a special teams standout. He had four blocked punts in 2024, FOUR! He also recovered another blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown.

Finding core special teamers with upside is the goal in the seventh round and White offers that.

And there we have it, my perfect Chicago Bears seven round mock draft.

We’ve landed a franchise left tackle in Campbell, a pass rushing demon in Ezeiruaku, a bell cow running back in Judkins, a rotational piece on the defensive line in Collins, a potentially eventual starter at safety in Moore, a special teamer that could become a starter at linebacker in Simon and a special teams ace and potential speed threat at receiver in White.

I would be very, very happy with this draft.

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 take a look at defensive backs.

CORNERBACKS

The Bears have two solid cornerbacks, Jaylon Johnson and nickelback Kyler Gordon, and one question mark.

Tyrique Stevenson got off to a promising start in 2024, but much like the entire Bears season, he fell apart after the Hail Mary loss to Washington.

I feel like the Bears will draft a cornerback in this draft, in what round depends on how they feel about Stevenson.

First Round

In these pieces I’m trying to focus on players that have a realistic chance of being drafted by the Bears. That’s why this will be my only mention of Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Michigan’s Will Johnson may be there at ten, and if the Bears have lost faith in Stevenson then this would be a fine pick.

Texas’ Jahdae Barron is worthy of a first round pick, but he’s best suited for nickelback and the Bears have a pretty good one in Kyler Gordon.

Day Two

There’s some good corners that will be available on day two of the draft. Taking a corner in the second round would seem to show a complete lack of faith in Stevenson, while a third round corner, or later pick would serve to put him on notice.

East Carolina’s Shavon Revel has all the physical attributes and measurables to become an early starter in the NFL. He has been mocked in the first round, but he did suffer a season ending knee injury last September which could push him into day two.

Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison has great ball skills. He’s excellent in zone but struggles a bit in man coverage.

Ole Miss’ Trey Amos is also better in zone than man coverage, and he’s a subpar run defender.

Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas has shown good traits and improvement in his college career. He needs more seasoning, but he has the potential to be an above average outside corner.

Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston possesses blazing speed and good ball skills, he’s a threat to take any interception to the house. His slight build could pose an issue against bigger receivers and he doesn’t offer much in run support.

Iowa State’s Darien Porter is good athlete and he’s shown the traits to be a quality NFL cornerback, he also adds value on special teams. He’s an older prospect and still needs seasoning, though.

Ohio State’s Denzel Burke is a strong run defender and he’s decent in zone, but struggles in man coverage.

Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong is an average athlete and lacks top end speed, but his coverage skills are above average in zone and man.

Day Three Prospects

Day three is when I think the Bears are most likely to pick a cornerback. There will still be some decent prospects available and most offer special teams value as well.

• Cobee Bryant, Kansas
• Jordan Hancock, Ohio State
• Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
• Justin Walley, Minnesota
• Zah Frazier, UTSA
• Mello Dotson, Kansas
• Jermari Harris, Iowa
• Isas Waxter, Villanova
• Jason Marshall Jr, Florida

SAFETIES

On the surface, safety doesn’t look like a need for the Bears, but there are question marks. Kevin Byard’s age, for one. He had a decent first season in Chicago, but he’s not the Pro Bowl caliber player he once was.

Then there’s the troubling concussion history of Jaquan Brisker. He suffered a concussion in Week 5, against Carolina, his fourth known concussion of his NFL career. He didn’t play another snap during the season. The Bears have to be a little bit concerned.

The Bears depth at safety is okay, but bringing in another might not be a bad idea. They shouldn’t do it in the first round, however.

Day Two

There are two safeties that have first round grades in this draft. Georgia’s Malaki Starks & South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori. Of the two, Emmanwori is the most likely to slip into the second round, and also the one I’d prefer. The chances, though, are slim.

Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts has been a popular pick for the Bears in mock drafts. I like Watts, but picking him in the second round probably means missing out on either a left tackle, edge rusher or running back.

Texas’ Andrew Mukuba, Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr & Ohio State’s Lathan Ransom are realistic third round targets.

Mukuba is the better pass defender, Winston the better run defender, while Ransom is a good combination of the two.

Day Three Prospects

I think the Bears could still find an eventual starting safety on day three of the draft. Here’s some names to watch:

• Billy Bowman, Oklahoma
• Jonas Sanker, Virginia Tech
• Jaylen Reed, Penn State
• Malachi Moore, Alabama
• Sebastian Castro, Iowa
• Kitan Crawford, Nevada
• Craig Woodson, California

Depending on how the Bears feel about Tyrique Stevenson, safety is the bigger need. If Will Johnson is available at ten, he’d be hard to pass up. Instant upgrade and he’d give the Bears a pair of lockdown corners, to go with one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.

I haven’t seen any mocks with the Bears going Johnson, but I think it could be one of those under the radar possibilities.

The Bears won’t address safety in the first round, but there is a good chance they do on day two. Emmanwori probably doesn’t make it to day two, but if he does they’d have to think long and hard about it.

Personally, I think round three would be the earliest they address the secondary, but there is a possibility someone will be available at one of their earlier picks that they have a high grade on.

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 look at wide receivers and tight ends.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Honestly, I don’t think the Bears need to take a wide receiver in this draft. With DJ Moore & Rome Odunze, their top two are locked down for years to come. Olamide Zaccheaus is a solid third receiver and the fourth option will be shared by Devin Duvernay and Tyler Scott.

Wide receiver is not a pressing need. The Bears shouldn’t be looking at any before day three. This is one of the weaker wide receiver classes in years, so it’s a good year not to particularly need one.

I’ll start with day two prospects, because you never know.

Day Two

One receiver that I’ve heard connected to the Bears has been Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel. Noel is fast and a home run threat with the ball in his hands. He might still be on the board when the Bears go on the clock in the third round.

Utah State’s Jalen Royals, Texas’ Isaiah Bond, Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor, Oregon’s Tez Johnson, Colorado State’s Tory Horton & Miami-Fl’s Xavier Restrepo are all players that will be available in the third round and could still be on the board on day three.

Day Three Prospects

Day three wide receivers need to have some special teams value. Here’s some names to watch:

• Savion Williams, TCU
• Pat Bryant, Illinois
• Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
• Ricky White, UNLV
• Kyren Lacy, LSU
• Ja’Corey Brooks, Louisville

TIGHT ENDS

The Bears only have two tight ends on the roster, Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe. They’re probably coming out of this draft with one, where they take him is up for debate.

First Round

Penn State’s Tyler Warren is the best pass catcher in the draft, in my opinion, not just the best tight end. There’s a pretty good chance that he could be on the board at ten and he’ll most likely be the best player available.

I want the Bears to go left tackle or edge in the first round, but there’s a damn good argument to be made for Warren. I like Cole Kmet, but Warren is a different animal and he’d be awesome in a Ben Johnson offense.

I’m seriously torn. Positional value says tight ends shouldn’t be top ten picks, but there are exceptions. I still think the Bears should go edge or tackle in the first round, but I’m not going to complain about Warren.

Michigan’s Colestand Loveland is the other first round worthy tight end, but I don’t think he should be on the Bears radar. I think there will be better players available at more important positions no matter where the Bears end up picking in the first.

Day Two

LSU’s Mason Taylor has Hall of Fame bloodlines and serious upside. He’ll be on the board when the Bears pick in the second round, but I think they should go in a different direction. However, if he’s somehow still around in the third round, I’d be quite happy with the pick.

Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr is a highly productive tight end, but he doesn’t offer much as a blocker. He’ll probably be available in the third round, but I’m not sold on the Bears picking him.

Texas’ Gunnar Helm fits the profile of a good TE2 to Kmet’s TE1, but I don’t think the Bears should take him in the third and without a fourth round pick they probably won’t land him.

Miami-Fl’s Elijah Arroyo is another tight end that would make a good complement to Kmet. He’s had a serious knee injury in the past, which gives me pause about the Bears using their third round pick on him.

Day Three Prospects

Day Three is probably where I’d prefer the Bears to address the tight end position. Maybe Arroyo or Helm fall into range, but there’s also some intriguing prospects that are sure to be available. A few to keep an eye on:

• Jake Briningstool, Clemson
• Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
• Luke Lachey, Iowa
• Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech

Because they only have two tight ends on the roster, I think the Bears will add one during the draft. I’m not sure I want them using an early round pick on one and this is one position it hurts not having a fourth round pick.

Evans and Lachey are the names I’d watch the closest as we get into the later rounds of the draft.

It’s time for my annual, one time only, seven round mock draft. Every single pick for every team, that’s 257 picks! I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator for this mock, and I’ll refrain from making comments on every single pick.

ROUND ONE

This first round mock is pretty much in line with my most recent mocks. I think the Cleveland Browns will take either Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado cornerback/ wide receiver Travis Hunter, but there is a non-zero chance they go quarterback at two, throwing the draft on its head.

If the Browns go with Carter or Hunter, the first round’s hinge point is the third pick and the New York Giants. I think the Giants should take the blue chip prospect that Cleveland doesn’t, but I’m becoming increasingly convinced they’re going with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. I think this is a mistake, but as a Bears fan this is the route I need the Giants to take.

The reason I need the Giants to take Sanders is because that will leave Carter or Hunter for the New England Patriots. If those two are off the board, then I think the Patriots will go with LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, who you’ll notice I have falling to my Chicago Bears at ten.

The New Orleans Saints taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at nine may seem like a surprise, but I’ve been mocking that for awhile and some national media analysts are starting to hint at it too.

The Dallas Cowboys picking Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is a change up from my more recent mocks, but it makes sense. Dallas has searched for a reliable running mate for CeeDee Lamb for years.

I recently wrote about how I think Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams should be on the Bears radar at ten, and he should be if Campbell and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham are off the board. In this mock, however, I have him falling to the rival Green Bay Packers at 23.

I think Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr should go higher than pick 32, but this is the kind of luck and patience the Philadelphia Eagles have had in recent drafts.

Before moving on to the second round, I want to return to Shedeur Sanders. If the Giants pass on him at three, I think we could see a precipitous drop. He won’t fall out of the first round, some team will move back in to grab him, possibly the Giants. This doesn’t, however, change my opinion of the Saints going with Dart.

ROUND TWO

Day two of the draft and the second round, in particular, belong to the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. I have nine Buckeyes going on day two, including SIX! in the second round.

It starts right away with the Cleveland Browns taking wide receiver Emeka Egbuka followed by the New York Giants going with defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

This is the first mock where I have offensive tackle Josh Simmons slipping out of the first round. The Jacksonville Jaguars might land a steal here.

The New England Patriots passed on offensive line in the first round, but they land Donovan Jackson here. Jackson is probably best as an NFL guard, but he admirably filled in at left tackle when Simmons went down last season.

Buzz has been growing about the Chicago Bears being enamored with running back TreVeyon Henderson. I’ve been mocking his backfield mate to the Bears, but I’m switching things up.

The Seattle Seahawks finish up the second round run of Buckeyes with edge rusher JT Tuimoloau.

Some other notable second round picks include the Tennessee Titans taking Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, Chicago taking Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts and the New York Jets taking LSU tight end Mason Taylor, the son and nephew of Dolphins legends Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, respectively.

Also, the Seahawks landing Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr, the Detroit Lions taking Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, the Washington Commanders selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson and the Philadelphia Eagles adding Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter.

ROUND THREE

The Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks stay on the Ohio State train by taking running back Quinshon Judkins and safety Lathan Ransom, respectively.

The New York Jets join the Buckeye party by selecting cornerback Denzel Burke.

Some other notable third round picks include the Jacksonville Jaguars taking Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr, the Chicago Bears selecting Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, the Carolina Panthers taking Georgia center Jared Wilson, the Houston Texans picking Texas tight end Gunnar Helm and Seattle landing Miami-Fl tight end Elijah Arroyo.

Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers pick Arizona State running back/ battering ram Cam Skattebo. The Los Angeles Chargers add another Michigan product, edge rusher Josaiah Stewart.

Cleveland adds Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker, the Kansas City Chiefs picking NC State offensive tackle Anthony Belton and the Philadelphia Eagles selecting Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild.

ROUND FOUR

After three quarterbacks went in the first ten picks, none were drafted through day two. That changes here as four go in the fourth round.

These include the Cleveland Browns taking Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, the Miami Dolphins pick Louisville’s Tyler Shough, the Indianapolis Colts selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard and the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Texas’ Quinn Ewers.

Some other fourth round picks of note include the New England Patriots selecting Miami-Fl wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, the Buffalo Bills picking Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr, the Arizona Cardinals adding Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten, the Baltimore Ravens picking Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman & Clemson safety RJ Mickens and the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson.

ROUND FIVE

The Eagles, Bills, Panthers, Jets, Dolphins, Titans, Cowboys, Patriots, 49ers and Seahawks dominate the fifth round. Philadelphia has four picks, Buffalo & Carolina, three each and New York, Miami, Tennessee, Dallas, New England, San Francisco & Seattle have two each.

The Philadelphia Eagles use their four picks on Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser, Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash and Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai.

The Buffalo Bills pick SMU running back Brashard Smith, Wisconsin offensive tackle Jack Nelson and Nevada safety Kitan Crawford. The Carolina Panthers use their three picks on William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant, Central Florida running back RJ Harvey and Oregon cornerback Jabarr Muhammad.

The New York Jets take LSU edge Sai’vion Jones and Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane. The Miami Dolphins pick Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa and SMU defensive tackle Elijah Roberts. The Tennessee Titans use their picks on Syracuse edge Fadil Diggs and Miami-Fl defensive tackle Simeon Barrow.

The Dallas Cowboys pick LSU guard Garrett Dellinger & Kentucky linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson. The New England Patriots select Alabama safety Malachi Moore & California linebacker Teddye Buchanan. The San Francisco 49ers add Ole Miss defensive tackle JJ Pegues & Iowa safety Sebastian Castro. The Seattle Seahawks use their picks on Virginia Tech defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles & Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.

Some other notable fifth round picks include the Chicago Bears selecting Alabama edge Que Robinson, the Pittsburgh Steelers taking Miami-Fl offensive tackle Jalen Rivers and the Green Bay Packers picking Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

ROUND SIX

The Rams, Chargers, Browns and Ravens all have four sixth round picks, while the Raiders hold three.

The Los Angeles Rams select Alabama defensive tackle Tim Smith, Texas running back Jaydon Blue, USC cornerback Jaylin Smith and Oregon State guard Joshua Gray.

The Los Angeles Chargers use their picks on Jacksonville State guard Clay Webb, Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson, Michigan running back Kaleel Mullings and Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson.

The Cleveland Browns take Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans, California cornerback Nohl Williams, Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton and Toledo safety Maxen Hook.

The Baltimore Ravens pick UNLV wide receiver Ricky White, Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks, Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley and Iowa tight end Luke Lachey.

The Las Vegas Raiders add Ole Miss edge Jared Ivey, Georgia defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and North Carolina edge Kaimon Rucker.

Other notable sixth round picks include the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Ohio State edge Jack Sawyer, the New York Jets picking Penn State linebacker Kobe King and the Dallas Cowboys adding Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen.

ROUND SEVEN

Notable seventh round picks include the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke, the Pittsburgh Steelers picking North Carolina guard Willie Lampkin, the Chicago Bears taking Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon & Villanova cornerback Isas Waxter, the Dallas Cowboys picking Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, the Green Packers selecting Georgia running back Trevor Etienne and the Kansas City Chiefs making Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew Mister Irrelevant.

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).

Last week, I covered the offensive and defensive lines. In this piece, I’ll focus on running backs.

The Bears running game left a lot to be desired in 2024. A lot of that can be blamed on their terrible offensive line, but the fact is that they lack a consistent chain mover in the backfield.

D’Andre Swift had some big runs last season, but he averaged less than four yards per carry. Too often he was stuffed for no gain or a loss. Again, a lot of that can be blamed on the offensive line, but also that’s just who Swift is. He’s boom or bust. He’s not the type of back an offense can lean on to grind down a defense and salt away a game.

Roschon Johnson is a serviceable short yardage runner, but he’s been largely disappointing since being drafted. Travis Homer is mainly a special teamer. The Bears have no other running backs on the roster.

The Bears need a bell cow running back. That guy that can consistently get them 4-5 yards per carry.

Fortunately, for them, this is one of the better running back classes in years, headlined by the best prospect since Bijan Robinson.

First Round

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the premier running back in a loaded class. If he’s on the board at ten, there will be plenty of Bears fans pounding the table for him.

Can’t say I’d blame them, he’s most likely the best player available, but a running back in the top ten feels like a luxury pick to me. One the Bears shouldn’t take, especially when they can land a very good back on day two, even decent ones with upside into day three.

I wouldn’t hate picking Jeanty, and I’m sure he’d eventually become one of my favorite Bears, but I just think they can add a running back later while drafting a high impact player at a position of greater need.

Day Two

Most draft analysts, including me, think North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton will get drafted in the first round. Some mocks even have the Bears taking him at ten, which is much too high and a pick I would absolutely hate.

Not that I hate Hampton, in fact I like him very much, but Jeanty is the only running back I think should be under any consideration for the Bears.

If Hampton is on the board when the Bears go on the clock on day two, I would be ecstatic with the pick.

Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson & Quinshon Judkins are both prime second round prospects. Henderson is the more explosive player, the home run threat. I’d be okay with him, but I prefer his teammate, Judkins.

Judkins is exactly the type of running back the Bears need. He’s the consistent chain mover they lack. He’s the type of back they can wear down defenses with and salt away victories.

Judkins is also a good receiver. He’s a true three down, workhorse running back.

If the Bears haven’t taken a running back by the third round, and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is still on the board, they have to take him. Johnson is another physical, consistent chain mover.

Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo is an intriguing prospect. He’s a violent runner that will not be taken down easily. He lacks top end speed to outrun NFL defenses, but he’ll provide consistent yardage and he’s a decent receiver.

I like Skattebo, but I wouldn’t take him before day three. He’s more of a complementary back than a true lead back, in my opinion.

Day Three Prospects

There’s still plenty of good running backs that will be available on day three. Most are complementary backs best suited for specialized roles as part of a committee approach. Some could develop into lead backs and others offer special teams value.

Some names to remember:

• Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
• Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
• Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
• Devin Neal, Kansas
• Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
• Kaleel Mullings, Michigan
• Trevor Etienne, Georgia
• Donovan Edwards, Michigan

Like a lot of Bears fans, I want them to take advantage of this good crop of running backs. I just don’t want them to spend their first round pick on one. I’d much prefer they add a left tackle and edge rusher before adding a running back.

With picks at 10, 39 & 41, they can go tackle/edge and still land a stud back. Hell, they could wait until the third and still might get a bell cow running back.

If you’ve followed my mock drafts, you know I’ve been zeroing in on Quinshon Judkins. To land him, I now think they’ll have to use a second round pick, I do not have any issue with that.

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 a previous post, I covered the offensive line. In this piece I’ll focus on the defensive line.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

With the addition of Grady Jarrett, the Bears have the makings of a decent defensive line. Jarrett, Gervon Dexter and a healthy Andrew Billings are a good nucleus. The depth is okay, but it feels like they could use one more impact player.

This is a good and rather deep class of defensive tackles, which makes me think the Bears need to come out of this draft with one. I’m open to taking a defensive tackle with any of their picks because there’s a good chance a DT will be the best player available at that spot.

Here’s a look at some defensive tackles that I think should be on the Bears radar:

Round One

Michigan’s Mason Graham is the defensive version of Will Campbell. If he’s on the board when the Bears go on the clock at number ten, they have to make this pick.

Like Campbell, there are concerns about Graham’s arm length which I find silly. The tape doesn’t lie and Graham is a dominant, tone setter on the defensive line. A defensive line rotation consisting of Graham, Jarrett, Dexter and a healthy Billings would be very formidable.

Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant & Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams are also first round possibilities, but not at ten.

Harmon, Nolen, Grant & Williams could be targets of a trade down, but I’d be rather underwhelmed if any of them are the Bears first choice. I just think there are higher impact players available in the first round.

Day Two

The aforementioned Harmon, Nolen, Grant & Williams are all possible first rounders and they all could possibly slip into the second round. If one of those four are on the board when the Bears go on the clock, they should definitely be considered.

I’d be fine with any of those four, but Grant especially intrigues me. He is a massive 1-technique and elite run stuffer, he also offers some pass rushing upside.

Kentucky’s Deone Walker is a large human being and elite run stuffer. He’ll be available in the second round, but the value at the Bears current picks, 39 & 41, isn’t there. If he slips into the third round, he should be considered.

South Carolina’s TJ Sanders, Toledo’s Darius Alexander, Texas’ Alfred Collins, Tennessee’s Omarr Norman-Lott & Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner are all names to consider in the third round.

Day Three Prospects

Taking defensive tackles on day three, especially after the fifth round, is a major gamble, in my opinion. Occasionally, a hidden gem is unearthed, but more often than not late round defensive tackles are busts because they offer little special teams value.

That being said, this year’s defensive tackle class is especially deep and there are names to keep an eye on.

• Joshua Farmer, Florida State
• CJ West, Indiana
• Howard Cross III, Notre Dame
• Jordan Phillips, Maryland
• Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon
• JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
• Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
• Elijah Roberts, SMU
• Simeon Barrow, Miami-Fl
• Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina
• Patrick Jenkins, Tulane

DEFENSIVE ENDS

The Bears added Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat. Odeyingbo is good edge setter and run defender, but he lacks high end pass rushing juice.

Second year man, Austin Booker, is still a work in progress. I think the Bears need to add an edge rusher that can really get after the quarterback.

This year’s class of edge rushers isn’t as deep as in years past, but it still has some very good early round prospects.

Round One

As far as I’m concerned, Penn State’s Abdul Carter is the best overall player in the entire draft. He’s the next great NFL pass rusher that will give offensive coordinators fits.

If the Bears want him, they’re going to have to move up. I don’t have a problem with that, but I’d prefer they not sacrifice a future first round pick to do so.

If the Bears stick and pick at ten, and Will Campbell and Mason Graham are off the board, Georgia’s Mykel Williams is my pick.

Williams is young, he’ll only be 21 on opening day, and raw, but he’s got all the physical traits you look for in a dominant edge rusher. He is an explosive athlete with a good combination of speed and power.

Williams will not be an immediate force as a pass rusher like Carter should be, but within two years they’ll be on equal footing.

Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr is the only other edge rusher I’d consider in the first round, but not at ten. If the Bears trade down, he could be a target in the mid to late teens.

Pearce would give the Bears something they lack; a true speed element on the edge. Pearce may be the most refined pass rusher not named Abdul Carter in this draft. However, he needs work as a run defender.

Two years ago, the Bears famously passed on Jalen Carter due to character concerns. I have defended that decision because the Bears did not have the locker room to properly mentor Carter and help him mature.

There are minor character concerns with Pearce that may have given me pause in years past, but I think the Bears now have locker room leaders with the addition of Grady Jarrett and the presence of Montez Sweat. They are better equipped to help young players mature into professionals.

Fellow draft-niks will notice I haven’t included Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. Stewart is a freak athlete with all the physical attributes you could want. His lack of collegiate production is alarming, however. He had only four and a half sacks in his ENTIRE college career.

To me, Stewart has all the makings of a workout warrior. A player that entices teams with his physical attributes and measurables, but never lives up to the hype. I think the Bears should pass.

Day Two

There are a couple edge rushers that could go at the end of the first round, but if they slip into the second round the Bears should consider them if they haven’t taken one in the first.

Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku was a highly productive pass rusher in college. He’s smaller than Bears’ defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, usually prefers in defensive ends, but he would be a good complement to Sweat/Odeyingbo.

I think Ezeiruaku will find himself drafted in the first round, but if he slips to the second round the Bears should pounce.

Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton doesn’t possess the physical attributes, nor did he test as well as his college teammate, Shemar Stewart, but I prefer Scourton as a prospect. Unlike Stewart, Scourton has a proven record of production. He’s a smart player with an array of pass rushing moves.

If the Bears don’t take an edge in the first round and Scourton is there when they go on the clock on day two, I would love the pick.

Marshall’s Mike Green is one player I don’t think the Bears should consider. The talent is undeniable and there’s little question as to whether his game translates to the NFL.

My issue with Green is character. Yes, I mentioned character concerns in regard to James Pearce and how the Bears are better equipped to handle and mentor younger players now. But, Green has major red flags, I’d prefer the Bears look elsewhere.

Arkansas’ Landon Jackson and Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau both fit the physical profile Dennis Allen prefers and both are popular mock draft picks for the Bears.

My preference of edge rushers that will certainly be available on day two of the draft is Ole Miss’ Princely Umanmielen. Umanmielen offers little as a run defender, but he brings serious juice as a pass rusher. The Bears have good run defending edges, they need a guy with speed and burst that can make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable on a regular basis.

Umanmielen could thrive as a designated pass rusher on the Bears’ defense.

If the Bears haven’t taken an edge rusher by the third round, I’ll be disappointed but there’s still a couple they could take. Those include Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, LSU’s Bradyn Swinson, South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard, Ole Miss’s Jared Ivey, Louisville’s Ashton Gillotte, Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart & Oregon’s Jordan Burch.

Day Three Prospects

As I said before, this is not a very deep edge class. The Bears should address the position well before they go on the clock on day three, but “best player available” could make a day three edge possible. Here are some names:

• Tyler Baron, Miami-Fl
• Sai’vion Jones, LSU
• Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina
• Que Robinson, Alabama

Abdul Carter would be an incredible get, but the price might be prohibitive. I doubt he gets past Cleveland at two. Even if he does, New England & Jacksonville lurk as potential suitors that may ask an exorbitant price.

Mason Graham might be a little more realistic, but still doubtful. Again, the chances hinge on Cleveland (sensing a pattern?). If Cleveland goes quarterback, it could throw the top ten on its ear, and who knows? I won’t hold my breath, though.

I think the most realistic scenario is the Bears taking Mykel Williams at ten. A defensive tackle with first round talent could be available when the Bears go on the clock in round two. However, if they go edge in the first, I think they’ll target Oregon offensive tackle, Josh Conerly Jr, and a running back in the second round.

I’m looking at the third round for the Bears to add a defensive tackle and Deone Walker is the name I’m thinking.

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.