With the offseason in full swing, the Chicago Bears now turn their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. At the NFL Owners Meeting, GM Ryan Poles hinted at the shape of this year’s class, noting that while there are fewer blue-chip prospects, there’s a wide range of high-quality talent projected to go between the first and third rounds. Read into that however you want, but it certainly sounds like Poles is open to moving down from the 10th pick if the right offer comes along. If a team like the Indianapolis Colts becomes aggressive in targeting a player like tight end Tyler Warren, the Bears should be ready to make a deal. In this scenario, they do just that—moving down in Round 1 while gaining valuable draft capital in return. Here’s how a full seven-round Bears mock draft could shake out.
Bears Mock Draft With A Surprising Twist
Trade Details:
Chicago Bears Receive: Picks 14, 45
Indianapolis Colts Receive: Pick 10
Round 1, Pick 14 (Via IND): CB Will Johnson, Michigan
This may come as a surprise, but it could be a franchise-altering decision. Will Johnson is one of the premier cornerbacks in the draft—a true lockdown player who can match up with anyone. While cornerback isn’t a pressing need, the Bears can afford to take the best player available, especially after trading down.
Round 2, Pick 39: OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Donovan Jackson has all the traits of a long-term NFL starter. It’s fitting that the Bears recently traded for Joe Thuney, because Jackson brings a similar skill set: versatility to play guard or tackle, elite football IQ, and excellent technique. If he’s on the board at 39, it’s a no-brainer pick.
Round 2, Pick 41: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
There’s no doubt that the Bears will draft a running back this year, and Kaleb Johnson would be an excellent pickup in the second round. He’s a physical back with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles, posting a 0.257 missed tackles forced per touch rate, which ranks better than TreVeyon Henderson, Omarion Hampton, and Quinshon Judkins.
Round 2, Pick 45 (Via IND): S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
Safety is an underrated need for the Bears. With Kevin Byard entering the final year of his contract and Jaquan Brisker’s history of concussions, bringing in a player like Kevin Winston Jr. would be a sneaky good pickup for the Bears. He’s one of the best tacklers in college football, and if it weren’t for his partially torn ACL injury, he could have been a potential first-round pick.
Round 3, Pick 72: DE Jordan Burch, Oregon
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen loves size and power up front, and Jordan Burch checks every box. At 6’6″, 295 lbs, he’s a versatile lineman who can play across the front and brings excellent burst. His 0.24 pass rush win rate against true pass sets ranks among the best in the class.
Round 5, Pick 148: LB Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
With Jack Sanborn heading to the Dallas Cowboys and T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds nearing the end of their contracts, it makes sense to invest in a young linebacker. Cody Lindenberg is a rangy, instinctive player with elite pre-snap awareness and sideline-to-sideline speed. He could develop into a future starter while learning behind the two experienced veterans.
Round 7, Pick 233: OT Jalen Travis, Iowa State
The Bears could use another backup tackle besides 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadije, and Jalen Travis would be an excellent pickup if he were available in the seventh round. He’s a massive player at 6’8″ and 339 pounds, moves well, and is a smart player who understands how to use his massive frame to his advantage.
Round 7, Pick 240: TE Joshua Simon, South Carolina
Joshua Simon is an athletic tight end with an 8.65 RAS, boasting a big catch radius and strong yards-after-catch ability. He’d be a fun pairing with Cole Kmet in two-tight-end sets, especially on play-action and short-yardage plays.
Last Word on the Bears Mock Draft
Rather than reaching for flashy names or short-term fixes, this Bears mock draft focuses on adding depth and future starters across key positions. The Bears have the roster flexibility to draft the best player available, and this group offers a mix of athletic upside, toughness, and scheme fit.
Main Image: Adam Cairns – USA Today Sports
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