The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with one of the most intriguing and critical drafts in recent memory. With a young, rebuilding roster, the Bears are looking to stockpile talent in key positions to support their growing foundation. According to NFL Draft Insider Ryan Wilson and NFL Draft Writer Josh Edwards, the Bears have several needs to address, but they also have the opportunity to bolster both sides of the ball with multiple selections. In this 7-round mock draft, Wilson and Edwards examine the potential players that could come off the board for Chicago, giving a glimpse of how the Bears may approach this critical draft to shape their future.

The Bears enter the 2025 draft with a solid cap space position and a number of draft picks, including a top pick in the first round. Chicago’s general manager, Ryan Poles, is looking to build the team from the inside out, emphasizing the importance of a strong offensive line, weapons for quarterback Justin Fields, and defensive improvements. While their offense showed signs of growth last season, it still lacks the necessary firepower and protection to take the next step. The Bears’ defense, though solid, also has its share of holes that need to be addressed. Poles will have to balance these needs to ensure a successful draft.

In this mock, Wilson and Edwards foresee a draft that prioritizes filling gaps on both sides of the ball, especially when it comes to protecting Justin Fields and giving him more tools to work with. Here’s a breakdown of their predictions for the Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft.

In the first round, with the 9th overall pick, Wilson and Edwards both expect the Bears to select an offensive tackle. This is one of the team’s most glaring needs, as Fields has struggled behind a porous offensive line in recent seasons. The mock draft suggests that the Bears will target a player like Iowa’s top-rated offensive tackle, who provides the physical tools and versatility that would benefit Chicago immediately. Protecting Fields is paramount for his development, and the addition of a franchise-caliber tackle would give the Bears a cornerstone piece for the future. This pick could change the dynamics of the Bears’ offense, ensuring better pocket stability and opening lanes in the run game for the Bears’ backfield.

Moving into the second round, the Bears continue to focus on the offensive side of the ball, with Edwards and Wilson predicting that Chicago will look to add a wide receiver. Although they have a few solid options in the receiving corps, there is a clear need for a true No. 1 target. A receiver with speed, size, and the ability to win contested catches would be a valuable asset for Fields as he continues to evolve as a quarterback. The mock draft suggests targeting a player such as Ohio State’s star wideout, a dynamic playmaker who has shown the ability to make big plays in crucial moments. With his skill set, the Bears could have a legitimate threat on the outside to complement their offense and help Fields take his game to the next level.

As the draft progresses, the Bears will turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, where Wilson and Edwards see them taking advantage of a deep class of edge rushers. One of the key areas the Bears need to address is the pass rush, which has been inconsistent in recent seasons. The Bears will likely target a player like Kansas State’s standout edge rusher, a high-motor, versatile defender who can contribute immediately on passing downs. This player would help bolster a defensive line that has shown flashes but lacks the consistent pressure to disrupt opposing quarterbacks regularly. With a solid pass rusher in the fold, Chicago’s defense could quickly become more formidable, allowing the secondary to play with more confidence and enabling the defense to apply pressure on opposing offenses.

In the fourth round, Wilson and Edwards predict that the Bears will address their secondary by selecting a cornerback. This pick would likely be someone who can compete for a starting role right away, giving the Bears depth in a secondary that needs to improve against the pass. A cornerback with the ability to cover large areas of the field and match up against top-tier wide receivers would be a major asset for the defense. By adding such a player, the Bears would strengthen their ability to compete in a division loaded with talented wide receivers. Moreover, a strong cornerback could allow the Bears to deploy more creative coverage schemes, improving their overall defensive scheme.

Looking toward the fifth round, the Bears’ focus may shift back to the offense, specifically with the goal of adding depth to the running back room. With a solid starting back in place, the Bears could seek out a player who can complement their current backfield with versatility, particularly in the passing game. A player such as a well-rounded, pass-catching back could help Fields by offering a reliable outlet in the short and intermediate passing game, adding another weapon to the offense. Additionally, this player could contribute to the ground game, taking some of the pressure off the Bears’ starting running back and helping keep the offense balanced and unpredictable.

In the sixth round, the Bears could look to add depth to their offensive line, which remains a critical area of focus. While the top offensive line picks may already be taken, the Bears could target a versatile guard or center who can provide depth and potentially develop into a starting-caliber player. A player with a strong foundation in both run blocking and pass protection would be a smart addition to the roster, as it would provide stability behind the newly drafted tackle and create additional competition within the position group. This pick would reinforce the team’s commitment to building a solid line to support Justin Fields and any future quarterbacks or running backs the Bears may develop.

Finally, in the seventh round, Wilson and Edwards suggest that the Bears may look to add a developmental quarterback. Although Fields is firmly entrenched as the team’s starter, having a young quarterback with upside could be an insurance policy in case of injury or as a potential trade asset down the line. The mock draft suggests targeting a quarterback with a high ceiling who may need some development but has the physical tools to eventually contribute to an NFL offense. This pick may seem like a luxury, but adding a player with potential could pay off in the long run, especially if the Bears are looking to further solidify their quarterback room for the future.

Throughout this 7-round mock draft, Ryan Wilson and Josh Edwards emphasize the importance of balancing short-term needs with long-term vision. By focusing on key positions like offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, and secondary, the Bears have the opportunity to significantly improve their roster and lay the foundation for sustained success. With a combination of high-floor players who can contribute immediately and developmental prospects who could pay off down the line, this draft could be a defining moment for the franchise’s future.

The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads, and the 2025 NFL Draft will be a major opportunity for Ryan Poles and his front office to make a lasting impact on the team. The selections they make in this draft could shape the Bears’ roster for years to come, and with the right moves, they could be well on their way to returning to playoff contention and building a team capable of competing at the highest levels. By filling key needs and taking calculated risks on promising prospects, the Bears have a chance to emerge from the 2025 draft with the talent necessary to accelerate their rebuild and turn the corner as a franchise.