The Chicago Bears have hired Ben Johnson to be their head coach, and are aiming to bring in Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator. These massive hires will shape the franchise around Caleb Williams.

In our 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft for the Chicago Bears, we aim to balance selecting the best available players with addressing specific team needs. The Bears have an abundance of draft picks, but they must make the most of these opportunities to succeed. Here's how Johnson can maximize his new team.

Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, No. 10 Overall: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

As big of an issue as improving the offensive line is for Chicago, passing on a talent like Mason Graham to take a blocker would be a mistake. Granted, my top tackle, Kelvin Banks, was already gone from the mock draft simulator I use, so that also influenced this pick. But there's no reason to be disappointed with the addition of Graham.

The Bears have added some intriguing and useful young tackles in recent drafts but lack a foundational piece like Graham. The best pass-rusher from the tackle position over the last two seasons in college, he's a transformative addition who should be taken much earlier than this.

Round 2, No. 39 Overall: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

It doesn't take us long to circle back to the trenches and hit the left tackle spot. Braxton Jones served his purpose well enough for where he was drafted, but he's not a star-level blindside protector. Johnson shouldn't be content with that.

Instead, Aireontae Ersery gives Johnson a higher-upside talent to develop. Moving Jones inside to guard would help take care of two needs and improve their depth. Ersery is a top-20 value on my personal board.

Round 2, No. 41 Overall: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

The other major hole on this roster is for a primary pass-rusher. It should come as no surprise that Montez Sweat dropped off in 2024 after a career stretch in 2023 that led to a huge contract extension. Sweat is fine, but a true No. 1 pass rusher is needed.

Princely Umanmielen isn't the best run-stuffer, but he's a speedy, experienced, and hard-working edge presence who will have a ton of suitors in this range. At worst, he'll end up a high-end rotational piece who can reach six or more sacks every season.

Round 3, No. 72 Overall: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

The D'Andre Swift contract structure was a mistake, and Chicago is stuck with him for another year. He won't stop Chicago from adding a better talent in a loaded running back class. I went with my favorite guy on the board, Kaleb Johnson.

Johnson is a more explosive version of who Johnson had in Detroit, David Montgomery. His downhill speed and power are unbelievable. I think he should be a late first-round talent, but the positional value of backs gives incredible value to the Bears' new offense. 

Round 5, No. 147 Overall: Seth McLaughlin, C, Ohio State

Did I mention the Bears have to be aggressive in addressing the line? We go back-to-back to add potential starters and depth pieces. Ohio State's Seth McLaughlin was enjoying an All-American-worthy season before suffering a torn ACL. He can come back to the field at his own pace before challenging Coleman Shelton for the starting job or taking over in the future.

Round 6, No. 193 Overall: Luke Kandra, OG, Cincinnati

This is much later than where Luke Kandra will actually be taken, but I'm highlighting how pressing it is for Chicago to find solutions along the line. Johnson had a premier line in Detroit that made everything else possible. Kandra is a punishing run blocker and capable pass-blocker who would be perfect for the Bears' new offense. It wouldn't be surprising if he started over Matt Pryor, but I think Chicago lands a veteran guard in free agency.

Round 7, No. 233 Overall: Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska

Tommi Hill came out of the first few weeks of the season a huge winner, but injuries slowed his momentum. The 6-foot, 205-pounder would be a great value here.

With his length, speed, and physicality, Hill is scheme versatile and fairly trustworthy in coverage. His advanced numbers aren't amazing, but his 2023 tape and output were elite. You're hoping Hill gets back to his 2023 and early 2024 level of play by taking him, and if he hits, he'll make this class one that defines the team's next four years.

Round 7, No. 240 Overall: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State

Dennis Allen loves good linebacker play, so taking an experienced playmaker coming off an incredibly impressive senior year makes sense. Cody Simon is a good athlete with elite instincts and tackling ability. No one would be shocked if he became a two-down star against the run and complemented Tremaine Edmunds in base formations.