Assessing Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Mock Draft selections

The Chicago Bears are sitting in one of the most enviable positions entering the 2025 NFL Draft. With two first-round picks—one from their own record and another courtesy of the Carolina Panthers—they hold significant capital to shape the future of their franchise. Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s draft guru, recently released his latest mock draft, projecting how the Bears will use these two picks in what is shaping up to be a defining offseason for general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.

Kiper’s selections for the Bears in the first round raised eyebrows, sparked debate, and opened up conversations about Chicago’s future both offensively and defensively. Let’s break down his projected picks, analyze the logic behind them, and assess how well they align with the team’s needs heading into the 2025 season.

Chicago Bears’ Current Situation Entering the Draft

Before diving into the specifics of Kiper’s mock, it’s important to understand the Bears’ current roster composition and draft position.

Chicago landed the No. 4 overall pick via the Carolina Panthers (as part of the 2023 trade that brought Bryce Young to Carolina), and they also hold the No. 12 overall pick from their own record. After investing in quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Chicago believes they have their franchise leader. In 2025, the focus turns to building a team around him capable of competing in a loaded NFC North.

The Bears added Keenan Allen in free agency, extended DJ Moore, and boast a solid offensive line. But questions remain at key positions: pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat, offensive line depth, and long-term answers at cornerback and safety.

Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2025 Bears Mock Draft Selections

No. 4 Overall Pick: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

Kiper goes bold here, projecting the Bears to select Abdul Carter, an explosive edge rusher from Penn State, with the fourth overall pick.

Scouting Snapshot:

Carter has been on NFL radars since his true freshman season. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 250 pounds, he brings a rare combination of speed, bend, and power. Carter logged double-digit sacks in 2024 and was a menace in the Big Ten—his first step is elite, and his ability to set the edge and drop in coverage gives him a Micah Parsons-lite quality.

Fit in Chicago:

This is arguably the most logical and impactful pick the Bears could make. Chicago badly needs a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat, who was acquired via trade last season. While Sweat has lived up to expectations, the Bears’ sack numbers have lagged behind, with inconsistency coming from the other edge spots.

Drafting Carter allows Chicago to unleash a two-headed monster on the edge. Eberflus, a defensive-minded coach, would love Carter’s versatility—he can line up as a stand-up linebacker, put his hand in the dirt, or even be used in disguised blitzes from various angles.

Kiper’s Rationale:

Kiper notes that Carter is “the most versatile front-seven defender in the draft” and compares his upside to Micah Parsons. He believes that with Caleb Williams in place, the Bears must now turn to the defensive side of the ball to complement the offense.

Grade: A-

This is a high-upside, scheme-diverse pick that fills an immediate need. Carter could become a franchise-changing defender and fits perfectly in Eberflus’ system.

No. 12 Overall Pick: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

With their second first-rounder, Kiper has the Bears selecting Kelvin Banks Jr., the elite left tackle from the Texas Longhorns.

Scouting Snapshot:

Banks has been a staple of Texas’ offensive line since his freshman season. At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Banks combines prototypical NFL size with exceptional footwork and hand placement. He’s a technician who has handled top-tier SEC pass rushers with ease and projects as a plug-and-play starter at the next level.

Fit in Chicago:

This pick would suggest a shift on the offensive line. Darnell Wright was solid as a rookie right tackle, and Braxton Jones has been serviceable on the left side. But Banks represents an upgrade with franchise tackle potential.

If Chicago selects Banks, they could:

Slide Jones inside to guard,
Create competition at both tackle spots, or
Consider moving Wright to left tackle and Banks to right tackle.

Any way you slice it, the addition of Banks would bolster pass protection for Caleb Williams, which is a priority as they aim to develop their prized young quarterback.

Kiper’s Rationale:

Kiper emphasizes that “protecting Caleb Williams must be priority No. 1,” and notes that Banks is the best pass protector in this class. With the top wide receivers off the board and defensive tackle not being as pressing, Kiper sees Banks as the safest, smartest choice.

Grade: B+

This pick is all about long-term protection. While not a flashy selection, it’s a sound investment in the team’s most important asset—its quarterback. The only reason it’s not an A is because it may create some positional logjams.

Alternative Options Considered by Kiper

Kiper hinted that the Bears could also consider the following with their picks:

No. 4 overall: If Marvin Harrison Jr. somehow falls, Kiper admits the Bears would sprint to the podium. However, he expects Harrison to be gone within the top three picks.
No. 12 overall: Kiper considered Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and defensive tackle Mason Graham (Michigan) here, but ultimately prioritized the offensive line.

How These Picks Reflect Ryan Poles’ Draft Strategy

Under Ryan Poles, the Bears have consistently emphasized trench play—both offensive and defensive lines. Drafting Abdul Carter and Kelvin Banks Jr. reflects this philosophy to a tee.

In 2023, Poles traded down to stockpile picks and selected OL Darnell Wright.
In 2024, he went all-in for Caleb Williams and added WR Rome Odunze.
In 2025, the focus shifts to protecting and complementing Williams.

Kiper’s mock aligns closely with the blueprint Poles has been following: build the lines, develop the quarterback, and create a sustainable roster that can compete for years.

Fan Reaction and National Response

Initial reactions from Bears fans were mostly positive. On social media, the sentiment has been:

“Love Carter. Exactly the kind of guy we need on defense.”
“Banks is a beast. Caleb’s gonna have a wall in front of him.”
“I wish we got a WR2 or a ball-hawking safety, but hard to complain about the trenches.”

National analysts have echoed Kiper’s praise for both prospects. Todd McShay called Carter “a future Pro Bowler” and said Banks is “as polished as they come.” Meanwhile, former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum said, “These are winning picks. Not flashy. Just smart.”

Remaining Needs After the Draft

Assuming the Bears follow Kiper’s blueprint, here’s what their depth chart would look like:

Offense:

QB: Caleb Williams
WR: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze
OT: Darnell Wright, Kelvin Banks Jr.
RB: Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson
TE: Cole Kmet
IOL: Nate Davis, Teven Jenkins, Braxton Jones (maybe)

Defense:

EDGE: Montez Sweat, Abdul Carter
CB: Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson
DT: Gervon Dexter, Andrew Billings
LB: Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards
S: Jaquan Brisker, Elijah Hicks

Still Needs Help At:

Free safety – Brisker needs a running mate.
Slot WR – If Allen departs after 2025.
Nickel CB – Versatility in the secondary is a concern.
Depth at DT – Especially against run-heavy NFC North teams.

These needs can be addressed in the middle rounds or via free agency. But the cornerstone pieces will be set.

Did Mel Kiper Jr. Get It Right?

Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft for the Bears is both practical and exciting. Abdul Carter and Kelvin Banks Jr. are two of the most NFL-ready players at premium positions. They each fill glaring needs and give the Bears an edge (literally and figuratively) as they attempt to rise from NFC North cellar-dwellers to playoff contenders.

Kiper resists the temptation of adding another wide receiver or corner and instead reinforces the most vital areas of team construction: pass rush and protection. It’s a blueprint that has led to Super Bowl contenders time and time again.

For Bears fans, this mock represents not just hypothetical picks—it’s a signal of hope. Hope that the front office stays the course, prioritizes long-term sustainability, and finally gives Chicago the contender it’s been starving for.

Final Grade for Kiper’s Mock:
🟢 Overall: A-

Impactful selections at critical positions
High-character, high-floor players
Aligned with team philosophy and future roster outlook

If the 2025 NFL Draft plays out as Kiper projects, the Bears may finally have all the pieces in place to launch a new era of success in the Windy City.