With all the buzz surrounding what the Chicago Bears will do with the 10th overall pick and their pair of second-round selections, the depth of talent expected to be available in the third round hasn’t received nearly enough attention. This year’s draft class is loaded, and several prospects who might’ve gone earlier in previous drafts could still be on the board when the Bears are on the clock at pick No. 72. Here are a few intriguing names to watch as potential third-round steals for Chicago.
Third Round Targets for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft
Defensive Tackle: CJ West, Indiana
The 2025 defensive tackle class is stacked, and CJ West remains one of its most underrated gems. Boasting an impressive 9.15 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), West brings athleticism and strong run-stopping ability to the table. If he can continue to refine his pass-rush technique, his upside is tremendous.
Defensive End: Jordan Burch, Oregon
The more you watch film on Jordan Burch, the more there is to like. At 6’6″ and 295 pounds, he’s a versatile player who can line up anywhere along the defensive front. Burch combines an explosive first step with solid pass-rushing skills and would be a perfect scheme fit in Chicago, potentially developing into a key piece of the Bears’ defense.
Offensive Line: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea is a true draft sleeper and would be a fantastic addition in the third round. His ability to play both guard and tackle, paired with his powerful hands and dominant run-blocking, make him an exciting prospect. If he improves his mobility and pad level, he has the tools to thrive as a future starter on the Bears’ offensive line.
Running Back: Damien Martinez, Miami
Should the Bears miss out on a top-tier running back earlier in the draft, Damien Martinez would be a great consolation prize. A physical back with outstanding contact balance, Martinez consistently breaks tackles and picks up extra yardage. He’d form a strong one-two punch with D’Andre Swift in the backfield.
Underclassmen Power Conference RBs who posted at least two seasons of 90.0+ Rushing Grade on at least 150 carries since the 2017 class:
Omarion Hampton
Quinshon Judkins
DAMIEN MARTINEZ
Bucky Irving
Bijan Robinson
Jonathan Taylor— Fusue (@DevyEusuf) April 8, 2025
Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Texas
A ball-hawk safety, Andrew Mukuba could be the future alongside Jaquan Brisker in the secondary. Mukuba ended the 2024 season with 33 forced incompletions, which was the second most among safeties last season with at least 253 coverage snaps. The two major concerns with him are his missed tackles and size; if he can bulk up and cut down the missed tackles, he’ll be a premier safety in the NFL.
Linebacker: Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
With Jack Sanborn leaving and T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds nearing the end of their contracts, the Bears could prioritize drafting a linebacker sooner rather than later. Carson Schwesinger from UCLA is a high-motor, instinctive player who leaves it all on the field. Though slightly undersized, he’ll need to add some muscle to handle bigger NFL backs and tight ends.
Tight End: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
If the Bears want to add a pass-catching tight end to complement Cole Kmet, Harold Fannin Jr. is the guy. As a blocking TE, he’ll need some work, but Fannin Jr. was dominant during his time at Bowling Green, amassing 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season.
Main Image: Rich Barnes – USA Today Sports
