Three WR3 options in the 2025 NFL Draft who could fit what Ben Johnson is looking for to round out his room in Chicago
After watching through the 2025 NFL Combine last week, I wasn't much impressed with the wide receiver class, especially compared to the groups we've seen over the last 3-4 years.Looking at this group, it's hard to pinpoint many "alpha" WR1 types in this class, but there's plenty to like about the pool of WR2/3 types.Which […]
After watching through the 2025 NFL Combine last week, I wasn't much impressed with the wide receiver class, especially compared to the groups we've seen over the last 3-4 years.
Looking at this group, it's hard to pinpoint many "alpha" WR1 types in this class, but there's plenty to like about the pool of WR2/3 types.
Which is great news for teams like the Chicago Bears, who are searching for the final piece that can round out the passing attack.
Looking at the Bears' offense heading into 2025, you have to solid talents in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Odunze, we know for sure, will remain on the boundary and utilize his contested catch ability under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Moore's usage will be key, and crucial, when determining who the WR3 could be in this offense. If Johnson keeps Moore outside, he'll be searching for a new slot specialist who can take the top off the defense from the inside. If he uses Moore as his new "power-slot" then the team will be hunting for another true boundary threat.
The only thing we got from Johnson this week that could help identify which WR3 option the Bears could pursue is a simple phrase: "No block, No rock."
We also know the Bears have much higher needs more important than finding a WR3 on offense, which means if one is taken in draft, it'll be by using a mid-late round pick.
With that being said, here are the three options I identified based on who the team met with at the Combine and what some of these wide receivers said during the week.
Kyle Williams – Washington State
Kicking it off with a guy the Bears did meet with in Washington State's Kyle Williams. The testing was solid for this guy speed-wise, including his 4.42 40-yard dash.
On the field, what really separates him is his yards after catch ability. In 2024, Williams' 590 YAC ranked fourth in the FBS while forcing 20 missed tackles. Williams runs some smooth routes on the outside but has some versatility out of the slot as well.
"A lot of people can't cover me, even your best DB," Williams said during the Combine. "If you line me up one-on-one, 11 times out of 10, I'm going to win it."
Pat Bryant – Illinois
This is a guy the Bears did not meet with, but I really wish they did. Pat Bryant should be everything Ben Johnson is looking for a WR if he's wanting to bring over the same style and energy of offense that he led in Detroit.
Bryant is a big body at 6'2, 202 pounds and still managed to have outstanding numbers on the vertical and broad jumps. His downfield speed is a little lacking, but he's a better version of Lions' Tim Patrick given his willingness to block and do the little things, and quotes like this one below should be music to Ben Johnson's ears.
"I love blocking. I love contact. I played safety in high school, so I’ve always enjoyed hitting. Sometimes they motioned me inside, kind of like a tight end look, and I had to block the C-gap or take on a safety coming down. It’s all about doing your job to help the team. Seeing my teammates succeed—whether it's a running back breaking a big run or another receiver scoring—makes it all worth it." Bryant said at the combine. "That's my motto too. No block, no rock."
Xavier Restrepo – Miami
Finally, another prospect whom the Bears met with but looks like a blend of the previous two listed above. Restrepo a gritty slot weapon that can pick up the tough yards and also a willing blocker. Which is saying a lot for a guy who's 5'9, 200 pounds.
Restrepo was highly productive at Miami and one of the top offensive leaders for the program. He's a crafty route-runner and he was able to show some of that during the on-field drills, and we're still looking forward to seeing more numbers at the Pro Day after he skipped the 40-yard dash. He's got some Amon-Ra St. Brown traits to him.
"I feel like I've showed scouts that I'm always open," Restrepo said via NFL on NBC. "Even in my run blocking… I feel like I showed them that I can get after dudes. I feel like I showed them that I'm really valuable on special teams as well."
Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: Predicting the team’s free agent signings, trades, and draft picks after what we learned at the NFL Combine
Chicago will be aggressive this offseason.
