Chicago Bears Q&A: A Look at the Under-the-Radar First-Round Scenarios and the QB2 Competition
The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 NFL Draft in a uniquely advantageous position. Not only do they have the No. 1 overall pick, but they also possess a wealth of capital thanks to the trade they made with the Carolina Panthers, which allowed them to trade down from that position last year. With multiple first-round picks and a team in need of key improvements across the roster, the Bears are poised to make significant moves in the draft. However, while the headlines are dominated by the possibilities at the top of the draft and the development of quarterback Justin Fields, there are a few less discussed but intriguing scenarios in the air. Chief among them are some potential under-the-radar first-round picks and an ongoing competition for the backup quarterback position, QB2, that could have a meaningful impact on the team’s season.
The Bears have established a foundation with Fields under center, but they’ve also built one of the NFL’s more intriguing draft positions, offering opportunities to improve their roster in both the short and long term. While the obvious storyline is Chicago’s pursuit of talent on the offensive line or at wide receiver to support Fields, some potential first-round scenarios remain quietly lurking below the radar.
Chicago’s general manager Ryan Poles, along with head coach Matt Eberflus, have a deep understanding of the team’s needs. With the Bears potentially selecting anywhere from the 1st to 10th overall pick depending on trades, the dynamic that surrounds Chicago’s front office heading into the draft is fascinating. Let’s dive into two key areas: the hidden potential for certain first-round picks and the competition for the QB2 spot.
The Under-the-Radar First-Round Scenarios
When you think about the Bears’ draft plans, two positions typically come to mind: offensive tackle and wide receiver. The Bears need to give Fields more protection in the pocket, and they also need to find him more weapons on the outside. However, as is often the case with draft season, the Bears may very well look outside of the conventional options and explore the unexpected. Below the surface of common expectations lies some compelling choices.
First, the Bears might surprise many by selecting a cornerback. After an encouraging season from rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, there’s still a need to solidify the secondary. The team’s defensive backfield is filled with young, promising players, but a future All-Pro corner could potentially pair with Stevenson to create one of the league’s top duos. Players like Kelee Ringo out of Georgia or Devon Witherspoon from Illinois could be prime candidates if the Bears decide to get aggressive on defense early in the draft.
Another hidden option might be a linebacker. While linebacker may not be seen as a major priority, it’s an area where the Bears could truly improve. Their defense needs leadership, and a playmaking linebacker could provide just that. Chicago has experienced its fair share of struggles in the middle of the defense, especially when it comes to stopping the run and covering tight ends. A linebacker like Jalen Carter or Jack Campbell could fit that need, giving Eberflus the kind of athletic, versatile presence in the middle that makes a massive impact on both the pass and run game.
What about running back? The Bears already have an electric talent in Khalil Herbert, but drafting a running back in the first round could be seen as an unexpected move. With Fields’ scrambling ability and Herbert’s emerging potential, Chicago may decide to add a complement to their backfield in the form of a dynamic playmaker such as Bijan Robinson from Texas or Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama. While drafting a running back so early might be seen as an unconventional choice, the Bears could view it as a way to add another layer to their offense, especially if Fields continues to develop as a dual-threat quarterback.
Is There a QB2 Competition?
While Justin Fields is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the Bears, there is one area of the depth chart that continues to fly under the radar: the competition for the backup quarterback position, commonly referred to as QB2. Behind Fields, the Bears have an interesting situation at quarterback, with some important questions about how they’ll structure their backup role.
The Bears have Tyson Bagent, a rookie last year who has shown flashes of potential but has largely been relegated to a backup role. Bagent, an undrafted free agent out of Shepherd University, impressed enough to earn a spot on the roster and occasionally get in for spot duty. However, whether he has the ability to be a legitimate backup quarterback in the NFL remains uncertain. He has shown poise, but his lack of experience at the highest level of competition raises questions about his ability to lead an NFL offense when needed.
The Bears’ most interesting move regarding QB2 came when they signed veteran Nathan Peterman. Known for his time as a backup with the Buffalo Bills, Peterman has had a controversial career, marked by some incredibly rough performances but also solid leadership in backup roles. While Peterman isn’t likely to push Fields for the starting job, his experience could make him a solid choice as a reliable backup. However, his struggles in the past give rise to the question: can Peterman be a truly competent QB2 in Chicago, or will the Bears continue to search for better options?
The Bears could explore drafting another quarterback, either later in the draft or through undrafted free agency. A talented and mobile quarterback could provide a strong safety net in case of injury to Fields, but it could also be a signal that the Bears are looking for a potential long-term backup or even future starter. This would give the Bears an opportunity to develop another quarterback who might evolve into a key contributor down the line.
Why This Matters
The backup quarterback position is not one that generates a lot of excitement, but it plays a significant role on any NFL team. As we saw with Fields last year, the Bears can ill afford to have a liability behind their starting signal-caller. With the team aiming for greater competitiveness in 2025, ensuring the depth chart at quarterback is solid could be the difference between a successful season and one derailed by injury. Plus, while Fields has continued to grow, his dual-threat ability makes him more susceptible to injuries, making a solid backup essential.
As for the first-round scenarios, it’s clear that the Bears are in a position to make a substantial impact on both sides of the ball. While selecting a top-tier wide receiver or offensive tackle is likely to be their first priority, choosing a cornerback or linebacker early could show a level of foresight that many overlook. The Bears are building a foundation for long-term success, and the right first-round decisions will shape their future for years to come.
In conclusion, while much of the attention heading into the 2025 NFL Draft focuses on the immediate needs of the Chicago Bears, there are several intriguing under-the-radar possibilities that could surprise many fans and analysts. Whether it’s bolstering the secondary with a cornerback or taking a linebacker early to solidify the defense, the Bears could surprise with a strategic move that sets them up for the future.
Meanwhile, the QB2 competition is more important than some may think. With Justin Fields continuing to grow and develop into the face of the franchise, ensuring that the backup quarterback position is stable and capable of stepping in when necessary is paramount. Whether through the veteran presence of Nathan Peterman or the development of someone like Tyson Bagent, the Bears will need to ensure they have solid depth behind Fields as they aim for a successful season in 2025.
The draft presents the perfect opportunity for the Bears to address these and other needs, shaping the team’s roster in a way that supports Fields while also building a foundation that can compete for years to come. The decisions they make, both expected and unexpected, will set the tone for a new era in Chicago football.
