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.

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.