The Chicago Bears entered the 2024 season with an inflated reputation, receiving absurd accolades for having the best supporting cast ever for a rookie quarterback. We called out this misconception at the time and were ultimately vindicated. Now, we're focused on improving the Bears' roster to a point where those claims could actually hold true. 

Our 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft for the Chicago Bears aims to strike a balance between selecting the best players available and fulfilling specific needs. With plenty of draft picks at their disposal, the Bears need to optimize their choices to achieve success. The next head coach will play a crucial role in this process.

Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, No. 9 Overall: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The board wasn't incredibly favorable for us, but I'll happily nab a top-edge rusher when he's there. Mykel Williams is set to explode after his combine performance, thanks to his explosiveness and size. He's also a great run defender, so Chicago can play him on Day 1.

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.

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

We get a little lucky by rolling the dice and waiting on a tackle, but I think Chicago will get away with doing so in April. Aireontae Ersery is one of a few Day 2 tackle prospects who can start early in his career and find success. A mountainous presence, Ersery has the length and power to be a terrific blindside blocker, 

Round 2, No. 41 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.

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.

Round 5, No. 149 Overall: Elijah Roberts, DL, SMU

Even with Matt Eberflus gone, expect the Bears to favor long athletes who can play multiple positions across the defensive line. Elijah Roberts has been an offseason winner thus far, and I expect that to continue when athletic testing takes place at the combine.

His raw pass-rush production is stellar, and his frame is similar to DeMarcus Walker's. It's hard to go wrong in a weak draft at this junction, but we hit it big with Roberts falling.

Round 6, No. 197 Overall: Arian Smith, WR, Georgia

Give me speed, or give me death. Arian Smith is not a great football player, or at least he wasn't at Georgia, but he'll be one of the fastest guys on the field at all times. There's at least a sliver of a chance he becomes a rosterable talent, and Ben Johnson could use a pet project to develop on the practice squad.

Round 7, No. 235 Overall: Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU

A hulking 275-pound edge rusher continues to bolster the trench options for this new regime. You might be wondering why Batty over a blocker who can be a depth piece, but Day 3 is all about bringing in your top-graded players and letting them compete. Batty is fiercely competitive and versatile and has played multiple roles at BYU. 

I think he's better than his production suggests, as it was impossible not to notice him when watching BYU for the last two years.

Round 7, No. 242 Overall: LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado

The Colorado Buffaloes have three draftable receivers, but LaJahontay Wester is my favorite of the options. Quick-footed with reliable hands, Wester can compete in the slot and provide depth. He might not start, but he has a better skill set than Smith's in terms of being a good player.