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The Chicago Bears have a big weekend ahead of them with the 2025 NFL draft right around the corner. Having an impressive offseason from the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach to the multiple additions they’ve made on the offensive and defensive lines, Chicago has been pointed to as one of the teams who has improved the most this offseason.
The work is not over yet as general manager Ryan Poles will have to continue his big splashes by drafting wisely and not taking many chances. There is no reason for the team to believe they need to make a big splash, yet should stick to a plan to maximize capitalizing on having four picks in the Top 75.
We’re examining three things the Bears should steer clear of during this draft at a time where it feels crucial that they nail the draft. The franchise has shown a real commitment to second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, but that work doesn’t just stop with the offseason moves they’ve made to improve the trenches; the work is not done until the draft is complete.
Here’s what the Bears can’t afford to do as the NFL draft kicks off:
1. Don’t trade up in the first round
Yes, Ashton Jeanty is the hot commodity and well worth a high selection in the first round, but there’s no reason to make a trade to mortgage the future just to land him. Given the work they’ve done this offseason to improve the roster, the Bears are in a great position to allow the top players to fall to them at the 10th overall pick and take the best one available on their board. The running back class is deep this year and, while Jeanty is the cream of the crop, it’s not worth it to make a trade to move up.
2. Don’t move off their early selections
Ryan Poles orchestrated one of arguably the best trades in franchise history when he sent the 2023 No. 1 pick, the rights to Bryce Young, to the Carolina Panthers in a return that’s included DJ Moore, Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, Tory Taylor, and a second-round pick in this year’s draft. Getting that type of haul has led the Bears to have four picks in the first 75 selections of this year’s draft, and there’s no reason they need to move any of those picks. This coincides with the previous statement of not moving up in the first round. But unless the Bears are collecting multiple picks in the second or third round, they have no reason to move any of their first four picks.
3. Don’t forget to build depth for future
There are several positions on the Bears roster that have a need for depth mainly due to contract situations. This offseason, the Bears signed depth at the tight end and wide receiver positions but that depth was signed to only one-year deals. Veteran safety Kevin Byard has one year remaining on his contract, as does left tackle Braxton Jones, so it is imperative that the team addresses bringing in depth at those positions. They’ve got seven picks, and whether they use them in other areas, they have to bring in rookies who can compete for a spot in their rookie season or be prepared for bigger roles in their second season.
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