The Chicago Bears were well overhyped coming into the 2024 season, earning ridiculous titles for being the best surrounding cast ever for a rookie quarterback. We called out this bad take at the time and were proven right. Now, we're trying to get the Bears' roster to the point where those takes would be valid.

Our 7 round 2025 NFL mock draft for the Chicago Bears balances going for the best players available and addressing needs. The Bears are loaded with picks but must make the most of them to be successful. Their next head coach will play a big part in that.

Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Mock Draft

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Round 1, No. 9 Overall: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

The board wasn't incredibly favorable for us, but I'll happily nab the class' top edge-rusher when he's there. James Pearce Jr. doesn't fit the gigantic end requirement Matt Eberflus preferred, but that's a good thing to me. Pearce is fast and flexible, profiling as a Pro Bowl-caliber pass-rusher.

Adding more dynamic athletes who can make impact plays is key. The Bears have other viable needs they could address here, but this is the right mix of value and upside to prioritize.

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Round 2, No. 36 Overall: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

I opted to go with a guard over a tackle. I think Ryan Poles is going to stick with Braxton Jones at left tackle, which is a justifiable move that I don't necessary agree with. But upgrading on Matt Pryor at right guard would be a nice bonus, despite his solid PFF grade.

Booker is the type of powerful presence who would compliment Teven Jenkins extremely well. His mixture of athleticism in space and power at the point of attack can bring a noticeable shift in the offense's attitude and ability to move people out of running lanes.

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Round 2, No. 40 Overall: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina

Elijah Hicks has been decent, and Kevin Byard has played better in 2024 than what he did in 2023. But fresh blood and a talent upgrade would be welcomed for the future. Nick Emmanwori is the ideal candidate for any defense, providing a supersized roamer with ball skills.

Anytime you can nab a 6-foot-3 safety who hits like a linebacker and roams the field like a zone cornerback, you're adding a unique skill set that unlocks more looks for the unit. 

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Round 3, No. 73 Overall: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

The D'Andre Swift contract 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, Quinshon Judkins. 

Although Judkins hasn't enjoyed the 2024 season most expected, getting him at this point is a massive steal. His contact balance and quickness are tremendous, and he's a three-down playmaker. Everything Chicago does must complement Caleb Williams, and Judkins certainly fits.

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Round 5, No. 146 Overall: Howard Cross, DT, Notre Dame

Howard Cross was one of the nation's top defensive tackles in 2023, but injuries have usurped his performance this year. The sixth-year senior will get penalized for being older and struggling to get back to his elite level, but he's certainly a good pickup at this point. He also fits Poles' size requirements for the position.

Taking a flier on Cross is a philosophical match. The Bears need a functional body that can help right away and improve over time. Cross doesn't have a huge upside, but he is a rotational piece.

Round 6, No. 202 Overall: Chase Lundt, OT, UConn

Depth matters and Chicago has to add some bodies to the offensive line. Getting the 6-foot-8, 305-pound Chase Lundt behind Darnell Wright for the cheap cost of a late-round pick works. Lundt was one of the best run blockers in the nation over the last two years and has improved in pass pro.

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Round 7, No. 228 Overall: Ricky White, WR, UNLV

I'm surprised Ricky White was still here, so I went with the best player available. White would absolutely make the team's final roster as a playmaker, but his value as a special team is a huge plus. With several punt blocks this season, White brings good suddenness and competitiveness to an overrated room.

Round 7, No. 244 Overall: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State

A springy cover corner who profiles as a slot defender at the next level, Parrish is the type of competitor who can be a special teamer and developmental backup on defense. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder was quite good in coverage despite his smaller stature, so he could make the final 53.