The Bears went through serious growing pains in 2024, seeing their preseason optimism turn to midseason dread as 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams navigated the doldrums of an underwhelming maiden season.
Williams, heralded by many as Chicago's savior, had an uneven first year in the pros. On one hand, he was fairly careful with the ball, tallying just six interceptions while collecting more than 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Yet, the USC product's performances often left something to be desired. The Bears' front office seemed to take notice, too, as both his offensive coordinator (Shane Waldron) and his head coach (Matt Eberflus) were dismissed as Chicago's offense cratered.
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All that amounted to a subpar season for the Monsters of the Midway, who limped to a 5-12 record, the worst in the NFC North.
Optimism still springs eternal at Soldier Field. Ben Johnson now mans the head coaching headset, inspiring faith among Bears supporters that better days are ahead.
But those days will have to start soon. There's no time to waste, especially not in a division as ruthless as the NFC North.
Reinforcements are on the way via the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's who the Bears selected.
Chicago Bears draft picks 2025
Who did the Bears draft?
The Bears selected eight players in the 2025 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick No. 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
- Round 2, Pick No. 39: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
- Round 2, Pick No. 56: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
- Round 2, Pick No. 62: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
- Round 4, Pick No. 132: Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland
- Round 5, Pick No. 169: Zah Frazier, CB, Texas-San Antonio
- Round 6, Pick No. 195: Luke Newman, OT, Michigan State
- Round 7, Pick No. 233: Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
MORE: Final NFL Draft grades for the Bears and all 32 teams
Bears NFL Draft needs
- Offensive tackle: Williams flirted with the NFL record for most sacks surrendered in a single season last year, and although his pocket presence and internal clock need to improve in 2025, the Bears would be smart to seek a titan in the trenches to alleviate some of his suffering.
- Running back: The Overton window continues to shift in regards to running back play. Whereas more than a year ago it was en vogue to belittle tailbacks' contributions, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Jahmyr Gibbs' performances resurgences have shown that that position still carries weight. Johnson saw the impact of having a fearsome run game in the Motor City. Could he try to construct a similar unit in Chi-Town?
- EDGE: Chicago's defense struggled to contain the pass in 2024, surrendering the sixth-most yards and 10th-most touchdowns through the air. One reason why? A lack of a prolific pass rusher. Montez Sweat led the Bears in sacks in 2024, collecting just 5.5. In a golden era of sack specialists like today, that just won't cut it.
MORE NFL DRAFT:
- Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks, from Cam Ward to Tyler Shough
- Ranking the top 10 running backs, from Ashton Jeanty to Trevor Etienne
- Ranking the top 10 wide receivers, from Tetairoa McMillan to Isaiah Bond
- Ranking the top 10 tight ends, from Tyler Warren to Mitchell Evans
- Ranking the top 10 edge rushers, from Abdul Carter to JT Tuimoloau
Bears mock draft 2025
Here's a look at how the Bears' 2025 NFL Draft board could shake out, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | College |
| 1 | 10 | Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | Texas |
| 2 | 39 | Trey Amos | CB | Ole Miss |
| 2 | 41 | JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State |
| 3 | 72 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa |
| 5 | 148 | Rylie Mills | DT | Notre Dame |
| 7 | 233 | Will Sheppard | WR | Colorado |
| 7 | 240 | Nazir Stackhouse | DT | Georgia |
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is on Thursday, April 24, from Green Bay, Wis.