The Chicago Bears have a good roster and could vault into playoff contention in 2025, but they'll need a strong NFL Draft class to get there. Do say I did not warn you; the Chicago Bears are not that far away from being a legitimate playoff team in 2025.
This roster is better than you think, and this team also has some valuable draft capital to build a juggernaut in the NFC North. Caleb Williams was also better than I believe many of us thought he was during his up-and-down rookie season in 2024.
I say all of this to say that the 2025 NFL Draft is going to be huge for Chicago. Year two for many QBs across the NFL is when they take a huge leap. Can the Bears do that with this NFL Draft haul?
Bears NFL Mock Draft: Building around Caleb Williams in a massive way
10. Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas
The Chicago Bears kick things off with Kelvin Banks Jr from Texas. Banks is a Day 1 starter at tackle and is yet another offensive line addition from Chicago. The Bears now have three big-time offensive line contracts with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, so they might want to try and hit on a rookie draft pick at left tackle.
It's not a bad idea, as games in the NFL are won in the trenches, so while this may not be the 'sexy' pick, it's going to payoff in the long-term for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, who had an elite OL during his time with the Detroit Lions.
39. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson at pick 39 is great value and also some great GM-ing by Ryan Poles. Henderson would be a stellar fit for the offense, as he's got dual-threat ability and is a willing pass protector. Two 'best friends' for a QB in the NFL is a sound offensive line and efficient run game. Well, with the picks of Banks and Henderson, the Bears may have just solved both of those things for Williams. who threw just six interceptions in 2024.
41. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden III at pick 41 after somehow landing TreVeyon Henderson at pick 39 is just outstanding. All of a sudden, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams may have an elite group of playmakers to work with and a top-tier offensive line, as other playmakers like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet are still in the mix.
This is a serious team on offense all of a sudden.
72. Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
It's time to address the defensive side of the ball, as not every pick can truly be on offense. Chicago beefs up their pass rush with Bradyn Swinson from LSU. Chicago did beef up their DL in free agency, notably signing Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, but more reinforcements could be on the way.
It's clear that Johnson and Ryan Poles are wanting to build their version of the Detroit Lions. (that's a great idea!)
148. Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Jamaree Caldwell could hear his name called earlier than this, but yet again, Ryan Poles finds some insane value here in this 2025 NFL mock draft. The defensive tackle surely would not have to start immediately and could serve as a rotational piece for now. Winning the trenches battle is hugely important, especially when a team like the Bears have a young QB who they are trying to develop.
233. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Double-dipping at running back in the 2025 NFL Draft is a great idea, as there are so many draftable backs this year, and Ben Johnson did have a two-headed beast at RB in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. LeQuint Allen is the pick for Chicago with the 233rd selection.
240. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
The Chicago Bears finish up this outstanding NFL Draft haul with Jackson Hawes, a tight end from Georgia Tech. Tight end is not an urgent need for Chicago, but like the RB class, there are so many draftable players here that it would almost be irresponsible to not come away with one.