The 2025 NFL Draft is just months away, and the Chicago Bears must nail their selections to compete in a strong NFC North. Think of the positions the Bears need help with the most. You might immediately think of the offensive line. Perhaps your mind wanders to the defensive line as another serious need.
Truth is, the Bears could use help in both of those areas. A solid offensive lineman to help right tackle Darnell Wright anchor the Bears line on the other side would be great. This might allow quarterback Caleb Williams to get more time to throw the ball thus making the offense that much better.
An edge rusher to help edge rusher Montez Sweat get additional sacks is a must-have. Generating more sacks will make the defense so much better.
How the Chicago Bears Should Approach the 2025 NFL Draft
The lines were a huge problem for Chicago in 2024 and getting those fixed for the 2025 season will be a top priority.
However, you can only do so much with the Chicago Bears first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Also, just like the coaching search, you can’t afford to be wrong about the selection. You must hit on it and make sure that you get a guy who will step in and start from day one.
It’s key that the Bears make a pick that can contribute right out of the gate and not have to wait a year or so to be a consistent contributor.
We will look at potential prospects for the two different spots in future posts, but it must be stated that the lines are where the Bears will do their biggest amount of work in the first and second rounds. The Bears have two picks in the second round which should give them a lot of leeway to help the offensive and defensive lines.
Prioritize Needs
Look for the Chicago Bears to do the expected in the NFL Draft. They will hit the offensive line first and look towards getting a left tackle. They need a mauler who can hold his own against powerful edge rushers who are coming in off the edge to try to flatten Williams. The new left tackle needs to give Williams the peace of mind required to get the ball down the field and not take so many sacks.
Then, in the second round, they need to take a defensive lineman, preferably a defensive edge rusher, who can help them rush and pressure the quarterback. This will help spring Sweat and earn him additional sacks.
One shouldn’t look for the Bears to stray away from the presented plan. People would think that the Bears have recognized that the lines are their biggest problem and they would do something about it this year. General manager Ryan Poles, an ex-offensive lineman himself, should have recognized the problem much earlier and made some changes. He will get another chance in this year’s draft.
Should the Bears fail to fix the lines, 2024 will repeat itself in 2025.
Main Photo: David Banks – USA Today Sports
