The Chicago Bears might potentially select six first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft is often considered the true lifeblood of long-term success in professional football. For franchises looking to change their fortunes or maintain championship-caliber status, the draft offers a golden opportunity to reshape their rosters, refine their strategies, and reinvigorate their fanbases. But what if one team — specifically, the Chicago Bears — defied the norms and entered the 2025 NFL Draft holding an unprecedented six first-round picks?

While this remains a hypothetical situation, such a scenario sparks fascinating conversations about team-building, NFL economics, and league competitiveness. The very idea of a single team owning nearly 20% of the first-round real estate in a single draft is revolutionary and could have ripple effects far beyond Chicago.

The Genesis of a Draft Coup

To begin imagining this scenario, one must consider how such a treasure chest of picks could be assembled. The Bears, under general manager Ryan Poles, have already made waves in recent drafts. Trading the 2023 No. 1 overall pick to Carolina brought back a massive haul, including D.J. Moore, multiple high picks, and long-term draft capital. That savvy move set a precedent. Poles and his front office have shown a willingness to trade down and stockpile assets for the future.

Now imagine a continuation of that strategy — multiple trades with quarterback-hungry teams, injury-plagued franchises desperate for blue-chip talent, or rebuilding squads willing to sacrifice first-rounders for multiple seconds or veterans. Throw in a compensatory pick from a lost high-value free agent, and suddenly, it’s within the realm of possibility: the Bears could enter the 2025 NFL Draft with six first-round picks.

While no team in NFL history has ever possessed more than five first-rounders in a single draft (Washington in 1983 had three), a hypothetical like this forces us to think big.

What It Could Mean for the Bears

1. A Fast-Track Rebuild

The Bears have been on a rebuilding path since 2021, when the Justin Fields experiment began. With Caleb Williams now at the helm — arguably the most hyped quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck — the organization is betting big on his success. Giving a young QB six new first-round teammates could be the ultimate way to fast-track a rebuild.

They could land an elite left tackle, a wide receiver to complement D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, a pass-rusher to pair with Montez Sweat, a cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson, a linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, and a dominant defensive tackle. That’s not just a good draft. That’s franchise-altering.

2. Depth and Competition

In a league increasingly defined by attrition, depth is king. Injuries happen, slumps occur, and matchups change weekly. Having six first-round-caliber rookies allows a team to field competitive depth at multiple positions. It would allow for a healthy competition in training camp and elevate the standard across the roster.

3. Cap Flexibility

Rookie contracts — especially first-rounders under the fifth-year option system — provide tremendous value. Six first-round players on rookie deals give Chicago cap flexibility to retain key veterans like Jaylon Johnson or invest in free agency without blowing the budget. That’s a win-win from both a roster and financial standpoint.

The Players: Who Could They Take?

Let’s project six players the Bears could target, assuming they hold multiple picks spread across the first round.

1. Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas)
A mauling left tackle who’s started since his true freshman year, Banks is a top-10 talent. He would protect Caleb Williams’ blindside for years and be a cornerstone of the offensive line.

2. Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
Though not as hyped as Marvin Harrison Jr., Egbuka is a polished, reliable route-runner who could become Caleb’s go-to guy on third down. With D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze already in place, Egbuka would give Chicago a terrifying trio.

3. James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee)
The Bears’ pass rush has been hit-or-miss. Adding Pearce, who boasts elite bend and burst off the edge, would make life miserable for NFC North quarterbacks.

4. Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
A Nick Saban disciple, McKinstry is NFL-ready with lockdown ability. Pairing him with Jaylon Johnson would give Chicago one of the league’s top cornerback tandems.

5. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Son of the former Eagles great, Trotter is a heat-seeking missile at linebacker. He’d add speed and playmaking ability to a defense still finding its identity.

6. Maason Smith (DL, LSU)
Injuries have slowed Smith, but his upside remains immense. If healthy, he could be a dominant force on the interior defensive line.

Challenges of Managing Six First-Rounders

While the upside is huge, managing six first-round picks is not without complications. Consider:

• Development time: Rookies, no matter how talented, need time to adapt. Managing reps, expectations, and learning curves for six high-profile players could be challenging for the coaching staff.
• Ego management: First-round picks come with egos. Balancing personalities, starting roles, and contracts takes savvy leadership from both coaches and locker room veterans.
• Future cap planning: While rookie deals are team-friendly, extensions aren’t. If all six players hit, staggering contract renewals could get tricky in four to five years.

Impact on the League

If a team like the Bears pulled this off, it would likely prompt a philosophical shift across the NFL. Other franchises might reevaluate how they value draft capital versus proven veterans. It could spark a trend where teams hoard picks over multiple years to “go all in” in a single draft, essentially building a super class.

Additionally, it would intensify debates about parity in the NFL. Critics might argue it’s unfair for one team to control so much of the first round, especially if trades were lopsided. Others would hail it as strategic brilliance — taking full advantage of the system.

Caleb Williams: The Franchise Quarterback Gets Help

At the heart of this hypothetical lies Caleb Williams. The 2022 Heisman winner and generational quarterback prospect enters the NFL with sky-high expectations. Surrounding him with six fellow first-rounders would provide the best possible environment for success.

Think about what Patrick Mahomes had early in Kansas City — Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, a strong offensive line, and an opportunistic defense. Or what Joe Burrow got with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Giving Caleb a supporting cast this talented from the jump could change not only his trajectory but the franchise’s legacy.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

It’s important to note: even with six first-rounders, success isn’t guaranteed. The NFL is littered with can’t-miss prospects who missed. Injuries, scheme fits, coaching changes — they can all derail careers. The 2013 Cleveland Browns had two first-rounders: Barkevious Mingo and Brandon Weeden. Enough said.

For the Bears, missing on even half of the picks in this scenario would sting. And public pressure would be immense. A six-pick draft class would be scrutinized like no other.

 A Hypothetical Worth Dreaming About

Whether or not it ever happens, the idea of the Chicago Bears holding six first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft represents the kind of wild, imaginative thinking that makes football fandom so much fun. It’s not just about the picks themselves — it’s about what they symbolize: hope, strategy, and the pursuit of greatness.

For a franchise that hasn’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy since 1985, such a move would be a bold declaration of intent. It would say to the rest of the league: “We’re not just here to compete. We’re here to dominate.”

The road to the NFL’s mountaintop is steep, but with six first-round picks, the Chicago Bears would have more than just a head start — they’d have a rocket strapped to their back.