With free agency in the rearview mirror, the 2025 NFL draft is fast approaching and it’s a big one for the Chicago Bears.
The Bears have made some key additions this offseason, trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney and signing center Drew Dalman. They have filled some big holes on the offensive line.
The additions of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo will help improve a defensive line that struggled in stopping the run in 2024.
The additions have opened up possibilities on what positions to focus on in the upcoming NFL draft. The Bears still have a lot of work to do.
Here is how I think the draft will go for them in April.
Round 1, Pick 10: Ashton Jeanty, running back, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty is the top-ranked running back in this year’s draft, coming off one of the most prolific college seasons of all time at Boise State. With 2,601 rushing yards, Jeanty became the second leading single-season rusher in college football history, falling 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards.
This pick makes too much sense for Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson, as Johnson used two backs in his offense in Detroit last season. Jeanty would be the perfect fit for Johnson’s offense and a great complement to their current starting RB De’Andre Swift.
With quarterback Caleb Williams entering his second season, having Jeanty to help develop a run game for the Bears next year would take a lot of pressure off Williams and make his job significantly easier as the Bears’ QB.
The only question with Jeanty is whether he’ll be there at 10 for Chicago. If Jeanty is taken sooner, I would expect the Bears to go defensive end or defensive tackle, but for now I have them going with Jeanty.
Round 2, Pick 39: Donovan Jackson, offensive guard, Ohio State
Although the Bears improved their offensive line significantly in the early stages of the offseason, they still need depth and someone to develop for the future at the guard position.
Jackson is one of the better-ranked guards in this draft; at 6 ‘4″ and 320 pounds he is a force on the interior OL. Jackson is a powerful player on the interior with decent athleticism.
He also has the ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line, playing both guard and offensive tackle for Ohio State in his career. His flexibility combined with his impressive resume makes him a top target for the Bears in the second round should he fall.
Round 2, Pick 41: Landon Jackson, defensive end, Arkansas
Despite their signing of Odeyingbo, the Bears could use another edge to rotate out with Odeyingbo and develop behind him.
Jackson would bring a lot of size to the Bears D-line–at 6’6″ and 264 pounds, he is quite large. Along with his size, Jackson is very athletic, with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.95/10. The Bears have shown a tendency to draft players with a high RAS in the past.
Not only is he a great athlete, he has good technique and flexibility for his size as well. Though he is still a bit raw, his athleticism shows a lot of upside and he can be a force on the edge if developed right.
Round 3, Pick 72: Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas
Last season the Bears’ run defense struggled heavily, ranking 28th in the NFL in rush yards per game. Though the signing of Grady Jarrett should help improve that, Jarrett is 31 years old and will start to decline soon. Alfred Collins should help with that run game and get time to develop behind Jarrett.
At 6’5″ and 332 pounds, Collins is a massive frame in the middle of the defense. And he has great physical tools for his size in the middle.
He burst onto the scene in his senior year and really excelled in run defense. However, he does struggle on passing downs, which is why he’s falling into the third round here and in a lot of other mock drafts.
Collins’ prowess in the run game combined with his huge size and surprising athleticism could turn him into a quality starter for Chicago with the right development.
Round 5, Pick 148: Chase Lundt, offensive tackle, University of Conneticut
Another position of need is depth at OT for the Bears. With OT Larry Borom leaving in free agency, they’ll need someone to replace him.
Chase Lundt is another player with a large frame, at 6’7″ and 304 pounds. Lundt has exceptional athleticism for his height and excelled in pass protection throughout his college career.
Though he is tall, he lacks weight for his height. At 304 pounds, if Lundt could add some mass to fill out his frame, it would help him maximize his skill set and make him a great swing tackle for a team like Chicago.
Round 7, Pick 233: Antwane Wells Jr., wide receiver, Ole Miss
Another depth pick-up for the Bears after they let 32-year-old receiver Keenan Allen walk in free agency.
Antwane Wells doesn’t have “off the page” athleticism but is good enough for a 5-6 string WR. At 6 ‘1″ and 201 pounds, Wells has a stocky frame, allowing him to bounce off tackles and rack up yards after the catch.
He can occasionally struggle with drops but has demonstrated good body control and playmaking ability.
Wells has also seen multiple offensive schemes, making him well versed and intelligent in football, but also extremely versatile.
Round 7, Pick 240: Craig Woodson, safety, California
Another position the Bears need depth at is safety. With Jaquan Brisker struggling with concussions and Kevin Byard on the last year of his contract, it’s important for the Bears to have a backup plan.
Craig Woodson is another player who has a higher-end RAS with an 8.83. At 6’0″ and 200 pounds, Woodson is very athletic and has shown a lot of physical play on film.
His athleticism gives him great versatility, allowing him to play near the line of scrimmage or in deeper zones.
He’s also very aggressive against the run and delivers big hits on ball carriers, making him a valuable last pick for the Bears in this scenario.
Velocity 
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