Bears' mutual interest in Ashton Jeanty is set to enter the next stage after initial 2025 Combine meeting
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is now in the rearview mirror but the crawl to the actual 2025 NFL Draft is still a long one.Between now and April's draft, we first have to get through the free agency frenzy and see which needs still remain for all 32 teams.As for the prospects, we will still […]
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is now in the rearview mirror but the crawl to the actual 2025 NFL Draft is still a long one.
Between now and April's draft, we first have to get through the free agency frenzy and see which needs still remain for all 32 teams.
As for the prospects, we will still have upcoming Pro Days, which are held at each college on various days, and the upcoming 30 visits, which gives teams another opportunity to sit down with potential targets.
After meeting with various prospects at the Combine last week, team's have already started lining up some of those 30 visits in the coming days, including the Chicago Bears, who lined up one 30 visit already with an interesting name.
During the Combine, running back Ashton Jeanty revealed he met with the Bears and was impressed by the organization, and even named dropped new running backs coach Eric Bieniemy.
Well, the Bears were equally impressed in the potential Top-10 pick because they are one of two teams who already reached out to schedule a 30 visit with Jeanty.
Earlier in the week at the Combine, Bears general manager Ryan Poles let something slip that now becomes important by saying this:
"We're gonna take a look at, again, what's available to us," Poles said about adding a RB. "I really believe it lines up where the additions that we're going have over these next two kind of player acquisition periods, of free agency and the draft, we'll be in a position to have a strong run game. Stay balanced, which in turn helps a quarterback out."
He's essentially noting the team is considering adding to the running back position but will see how that addition lines up between free agency and the draft. What was also interesting is that the only running backs the Bears met with at the Combine were Jeanty and UNC's Omarion Hampton.
Going back around to Jeanty and the upcoming 30 visit. The Bears will use this meeting to further get to know the top prospect as a person and see how well of a fit he can be for this team and in Ben Johnson's offense.
And we already know some details. Jeanty is already familiar with quarterback Caleb Williams after hanging out with him earlier this offseason and we know how important the running back position is to Johnson's scheme.
And for those worried about spending a Top-10 selection on a running back, free agency comes first. If the Bears address all their major needs in that process (interior offensive line and defensive end), that frees up the front office to draft the best player available. If Jeanty's on the board at 10, he checks that box.
Chicago Bears 2025 Combine Meeting Tracker: Which prospects met with the team, and who could be on their radar?
They got their eyes on some top talent.
