The Chicago Bears spent the first wave of NFL free agency upgrading the protection in front of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. General manager Ryan Poles revamped the entire interior offensive line by trading for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, and signing center Drew Dalman to a three-year contract worth $42 million. Poles has ensured Williams will feel comfortable in the pocket.
Poles now turns his attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bears are equipped with seven total selections, including four top 100 picks. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that continues improving the Bears' roster.
Round 1 (No. 10 overall): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Bears essentially swapped DeMarcus Walker for Dayo Odeyingbo this offseason. Like Walker, Odeyingbo is a decent three-down defensive end with limited potential as a pass rusher. A legitimate threat opposite Montez Sweat is still required. Mykel Williams is a tools-driven prospect with an incredibly high ceiling.
Round 2 (No. 39 overall): Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The revamped offensive line can't be complete until a long-term solution at left tackle is identified. Incumbent starter Braxton Jones Jr. is entering a contract year and 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie didn't show enough. Aireontae Ersery is a mammoth prospect and an easy mover. Ersery is physically gifted and would quickly climb the depth chart.
Round 2 (No. 41 overall): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
D'Andre Swift didn't meet expectations throughout his first campaign with the Bears. A lackluster offensive line deserves partial blame for Swift averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry, but his future in Chicago is in doubt. Poles should take advantage of a deep RB class to find a potential successor. Kaleb Johnson is a zone-scheme expert with three-down upside as a receiving back.
Round 3 (No. 72 overall): Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Keenan Allen remains available in free agency. The Bears signed Olamide Zaccheaus to play in the slot, and more will be expected from Rome Odunze as a sophomore. Pass-catching depth wouldn't hurt as the Bears recalibrate their expectations at receiver. Jack Bech is alignment-versatile and physical. Bech is a crafty and decisive route-runner at all levels of the field.
Round 5 (No. 148 overall): Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
Adding Grady Jarrett in free agency lessened the pressing need for a defensive tackle in this draft. Instead, the requirement has transitioned to interior defensive line depth. Yahya Black is a space-eating defender. Black successfully takes on double-team blocks as a role-specific player.
Round 7 (No. 233 overall): Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh
The Bears have Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe at tight end. Smythe shouldn't be handed the No. 2 role without at least facing competition. Pittsburgh's Gavin Bartholomew is an expert in-line blocker. Bartholomew could hold early-down responsibilities that allow Kmet to do his passing-game damage.
Round 7 (No. 240 overall): Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal
Linebacker Jack Sanborn led the Bears in special teams snaps last season. He's currently a free agent. If a replacement is needed, Cal's Teddye Buchanan possesses a red-hot motor that should translate well to the third phase. Buchanan leaped the highest vertical (40 inches) of any linebacker at the NFL Combine.
