The new top-10 NFL mock draft is frustrating. The Chicago Bears will select the top player available.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a unique position, holding a top pick in a deep draft class. While many teams might be tempted to draft based on need, the Bears are embracing a strategy that could set them up for sustained success: selecting the best player available. This approach, though often debated, has its merits and challenges, particularly for a team still in the rebuilding phase.
In this article, we will delve into the Bears’ roster, the top prospects available in the draft, and why the strategy of selecting the best player available might be their best path forward.
The Chicago Bears’ Current Roster and Needs
The Bears have undergone a transformation in recent years. While their 2024 season showed flashes of potential, their 5-12 record highlighted some serious issues that need addressing. With a young quarterback, Justin Fields, showing promise but still in the process of development, the Bears are searching for the right pieces to complement him and propel their team forward.
The offensive line remains one of the most glaring needs. Fields’ mobility has masked some of the issues up front, but without a strong offensive line, his development could plateau. The Bears also lack top-tier weapons for Fields. While Darnell Mooney has shown flashes, the team lacks a true No. 1 receiver. In addition, the defense, particularly the defensive line and secondary, is a work in progress. Chicago’s defense, once feared, has struggled to generate pressure and create turnovers in recent years.
Despite these areas of need, the Bears are in an enviable position with a top-10 draft pick. In this scenario, the best player available could be a transformative force, one that enhances their roster in a way that a position-based selection might not.
Top Players Available in the 2025 Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several prospects expected to make an immediate impact. The Bears, depending on where they pick in the top-10, could have a chance to select from a pool of elite talents. Here’s a look at the top players available:
1. Quarterback: Caleb Williams (USC)
While the Bears may not be in the market for a quarterback given Justin Fields’ presence, Williams is one of the most talented prospects in recent memory. A potential future MVP candidate, he has the arm talent, mobility, and leadership qualities to become a franchise player. If the Bears were to select Williams, it would indicate a long-term strategy, but it could also spark an interesting quarterback competition.
2. Edge Rusher: Jared Verse (Florida State)
Chicago’s defense has been inconsistent in recent years, particularly in their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Verse, one of the top edge rushers in this draft, would be an ideal fit. With his elite pass-rushing ability, he could immediately help improve the Bears’ pass rush, creating havoc for NFC North quarterbacks and putting the defense back on the map.
3. Offensive Tackle: Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
If the Bears decide to go the offensive line route, Alt is the best player available. As one of the most polished tackles in the draft, he would immediately step in and shore up the Bears’ offensive line. Protecting Justin Fields is paramount to his development, and Alt could provide stability on the left or right side for years to come.
4. Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
While Fields has some weapons at his disposal, none of them are top-tier talents that can completely change the game. Harrison is a generational receiver with elite route-running and ball-tracking skills. His ability to dominate at the collegiate level makes him an intriguing option for a Bears team in desperate need of a playmaker on the outside.
5. Cornerback: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
The Bears have struggled in the secondary, and McKinstry is one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him an ideal addition to a defense looking to improve in coverage. Adding McKinstry to the mix would give the Bears a legitimate lockdown corner and allow them to compete with the league’s best receivers.
The Case for the “Best Player Available” Strategy
When it comes to NFL Draft strategy, there’s often a tension between selecting for need versus selecting the best player available. The Bears, entering a pivotal year, have a unique opportunity to take the best talent available, regardless of position. But why should they lean in this direction?
1. Long-Term Building:
The Bears are in the early stages of a rebuild, and building around the best talent available rather than addressing short-term needs is a strategy that could pay dividends in the long run. Selecting a player who is the best in their position could add immediate value and set the team up for sustained success. Whether it’s an edge rusher, offensive tackle, or wide receiver, the top-tier players in this draft could change the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
2. Flexibility in Future Moves:
By selecting the best player available, the Bears create roster flexibility moving forward. For example, if they select a top-tier edge rusher or cornerback, they could address other needs through free agency or trades, knowing that their most important position groups are already solidified. The Bears also could be in a position to trade players or picks for future assets, knowing they have a deep roster of talent.
3. Maximizing Value:
The NFL is an unpredictable league, and a team’s needs can shift rapidly. What may seem like an immediate need in one season can become a non-issue the next. By selecting the best player, the Bears are ensuring that they don’t just fill a need, but acquire a player who will outperform expectations. High-value players can often be more productive than the player who simply fills a gap on the roster.
Challenges of Selecting the Best Player Available
Despite its many benefits, the “best player available” strategy is not without its risks. If the Bears select a player who doesn’t fill a glaring need, they may end up with a roster logjam that hampers development or creates unnecessary competition in key areas.
1. Position Surplus:
If the Bears already have depth in a specific position group, selecting the best player available in that group could create an imbalance. For instance, if the Bears already have a strong offensive line and choose to draft an elite tackle, they might find themselves in a situation where they have too many players at that position and not enough in other areas of need.
2. Missing Immediate Impact:
The Bears are a team that needs immediate contributions, especially on offense. Selecting a player who is seen as “best available” but doesn’t address the offense’s key gaps could delay the team’s progression. Bears fans are looking for quick results, and while selecting the best player available could set up the team for long-term success, it might not have the immediate payoff they desire.
Recent History of Bears Draft Picks
The Bears’ recent draft history has been a mixed bag. While they have hit on a few key selections like Fields and linebacker Roquan Smith, they have also missed on several first-round picks in recent years. These missteps highlight the importance of making the right choice, regardless of position.
Historically, the Bears have been a team that drafts based on need. However, they’ve also been criticized for failing to draft top-tier talent when available. The 2025 draft provides an opportunity to change that narrative.
The Bears’ Future Outlook: Building Around Justin Fields
Justin Fields remains the cornerstone of the Bears’ future. The team needs to surround him with the right talent to unlock his full potential. The decision to select the best player available, whether it’s a weapon for Fields or a defensive anchor, could ultimately provide Fields with the tools he needs to thrive.
A strong offensive line, a legitimate No. 1 receiver, or a top-tier defender would give Fields a chance to grow into the quarterback the Bears believe he can be. The best player available could be the missing link to making Fields’ development more successful.
Trade and Draft Strategy: Balancing Need vs. Value
The Bears also need to weigh the possibility of trading down. If a player they desire is unavailable, or if they feel they can acquire additional assets, trading down could provide significant value. It could allow them to secure future picks while still selecting high-quality players.
Ultimately, the best player available strategy requires the Bears to balance immediate need with long-term value. Their decisions in this draft will affect the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
The Bears’ Road Ahead
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a crucial position. With a top-10 pick and a roster full of potential, the decision to select the best player available may be their wisest course of action. It allows them to build a sustainable, high-value roster that can contend for years to come, while also addressing immediate needs through free agency or future drafts.
The Bears are in a unique position to reshape their future, and how they approach this draft could determine whether they return to prominence or continue to linger in mediocrity. The right pick could change everything.
