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The Chicago Bears shored their roster in a big way during free agency with upgrades to the offensive and defensive lines, which opens things up for them in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Bears retooled the interior offensive line with the additions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as center Drew Dalman. They also added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo to address the defensive trenches.
With the team's biggest needs addressed, it gives Chicago flexibility at the 10th overall pick, where they could go best available player -- be it offensive line, defensive line or even running back.
We've rounded up the latest 2025 NFL mock drafts, where most experts believe the Bears are going to find a way to land new head coach Ben Johnson his playmaking running back in Ashton Jeanty -- be it through trade or the board falling perfectly in their favor.
Projected trade with Jaguars (No. 5)
USA Today's Nate Davis: "The Bears’ offseason has been all about upgrading the resources around second-year QB Caleb Williams, from the hiring of HC Ben Johnson to the expensive improvements to the offensive and defensive lines. What better way to continue that effort than to move up for Jeanty, who might be giving Hunter and Carter a run for their money near the top of the board if not for the position he plays. But oh how Jeanty (5-9, 211) plays it, the 2024 Heisman runner-up rushing for 2,601 yards – 28 shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record. A compact, powerful combination of explosiveness and strength, Jeanty could be the final piece to the offensive puzzle surrounding Williams – but wouldn’t have to take on a massive load as a rookie given the presence of capable veteran D'Andre Swift, who could nicely shift into a third-down role. The move up would likely cost the Bears their No. 10 pick and one of their second-rounders, though GM Ryan Poles might also be able to get a Day 3 selection back from the Jags to balance the scales. Regardless, this is a case where the juice is well worth the squeeze, especially given the possibility the Raiders could pounce on Jeanty at No. 6."
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman: "Chicago strengthened its interior O-line this offseason, and a juiced-up running game should be a big help for last year’s top pick, Caleb Williams. With both Jeanty and UNC’s Omarion Hampton available, the Bears have their pick of who they want to team with D’Andre Swift to give new coach Ben Johnson a 1-2 punch similar to what he had in Detroit."
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: "The Bears have done a good job improving their offensive line this offseason. The next step toward getting the most from Caleb Williams and that offense should be taking the most explosive playmaker in this draft."
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "The Bears get their Jahmyr Gibbs for Ben Johnson after fortifying the trenches in free agency."
Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman: "The Bears could bring a potentially elite offensive line into the 2025 season. While the 2025 running back class is depth-heavy, Jeanty is simply too good to pass up if he is available. His stellar career at Boise State included him posting a perfect 99.9 PFF rushing grade and breaking a ridiculous 325 tackles in three seasons. Chicago shouldn’t pass on a special talent like Jeanty."
FOX Sports' Carmen Vitali: "Campbell is a lot of pundits' top offensive line prospect, but I have a few concerns. And no, it doesn't have to do with his arm length. This is a really raw class, in general. Campbell incurred more penalties than I'd like while at LSU. I think he needs more time to develop and being brought in as competition, but not necessarily having to be the guy right away, could be mutually beneficial for Campbell and the Bears."
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "The offensive line overhaul has hit all three interior spots. But what about left tackle? Can the Bears be the landing spot that lets Campbell play it out on the edge? If so, it gives Chicago a whole lot of nasty upfront from a group that was missing it in 2024."
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling: "After filling all of their most immediate needs with veterans in free agency and via trade, the Bears have freed themselves up to make somewhat of a luxury pick here. Jeanty is an dynamic three-down back with a complete skill set and the elite physical and mental traits to be an immediate superstar."
Draft Network's Jaime Eisner: "The Bears are building to compete for the playoffs now and have done a good job retooling their offensive line in front of Caleb Williams this offseason. That allows them to not force an OL pick here. Is Ashton Jeanty a bit of a luxury pick? Sure, but he'll have an immediate role in Ben Johnson's offense and should help keep Chicago in a playoff window throughout his rookie contract. A young big three of Williams, Jeanty, and Rome Odunze is an exciting trio to build around."
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears all aboard the Ashton Jeanty train
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The Bears retooled the interior offensive line with the additions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as center Drew Dalman. They also added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo to address the defensive trenches.
With the team's biggest needs addressed, it gives Chicago flexibility at the 10th overall pick, where they could go best available player -- be it offensive line, defensive line or even running back.
We've rounded up the latest 2025 NFL mock drafts, where most experts believe the Bears are going to find a way to land new head coach Ben Johnson his playmaking running back in Ashton Jeanty -- be it through trade or the board falling perfectly in their favor.
USA Today: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (from JAC)
Projected trade with Jaguars (No. 5)
USA Today's Nate Davis: "The Bears’ offseason has been all about upgrading the resources around second-year QB Caleb Williams, from the hiring of HC Ben Johnson to the expensive improvements to the offensive and defensive lines. What better way to continue that effort than to move up for Jeanty, who might be giving Hunter and Carter a run for their money near the top of the board if not for the position he plays. But oh how Jeanty (5-9, 211) plays it, the 2024 Heisman runner-up rushing for 2,601 yards – 28 shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record. A compact, powerful combination of explosiveness and strength, Jeanty could be the final piece to the offensive puzzle surrounding Williams – but wouldn’t have to take on a massive load as a rookie given the presence of capable veteran D'Andre Swift, who could nicely shift into a third-down role. The move up would likely cost the Bears their No. 10 pick and one of their second-rounders, though GM Ryan Poles might also be able to get a Day 3 selection back from the Jags to balance the scales. Regardless, this is a case where the juice is well worth the squeeze, especially given the possibility the Raiders could pounce on Jeanty at No. 6."
The Athletic: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman: "Chicago strengthened its interior O-line this offseason, and a juiced-up running game should be a big help for last year’s top pick, Caleb Williams. With both Jeanty and UNC’s Omarion Hampton available, the Bears have their pick of who they want to team with D’Andre Swift to give new coach Ben Johnson a 1-2 punch similar to what he had in Detroit."
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NFL.com: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: "The Bears have done a good job improving their offensive line this offseason. The next step toward getting the most from Caleb Williams and that offense should be taking the most explosive playmaker in this draft."
CBS Sports: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "The Bears get their Jahmyr Gibbs for Ben Johnson after fortifying the trenches in free agency."
Pro Football Focus: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman: "The Bears could bring a potentially elite offensive line into the 2025 season. While the 2025 running back class is depth-heavy, Jeanty is simply too good to pass up if he is available. His stellar career at Boise State included him posting a perfect 99.9 PFF rushing grade and breaking a ridiculous 325 tackles in three seasons. Chicago shouldn’t pass on a special talent like Jeanty."
FOX Sports: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
FOX Sports' Carmen Vitali: "Campbell is a lot of pundits' top offensive line prospect, but I have a few concerns. And no, it doesn't have to do with his arm length. This is a really raw class, in general. Campbell incurred more penalties than I'd like while at LSU. I think he needs more time to develop and being brought in as competition, but not necessarily having to be the guy right away, could be mutually beneficial for Campbell and the Bears."
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33rd Team: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "The offensive line overhaul has hit all three interior spots. But what about left tackle? Can the Bears be the landing spot that lets Campbell play it out on the edge? If so, it gives Chicago a whole lot of nasty upfront from a group that was missing it in 2024."
Athlon Sports: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling: "After filling all of their most immediate needs with veterans in free agency and via trade, the Bears have freed themselves up to make somewhat of a luxury pick here. Jeanty is an dynamic three-down back with a complete skill set and the elite physical and mental traits to be an immediate superstar."
Draft Network: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Draft Network's Jaime Eisner: "The Bears are building to compete for the playoffs now and have done a good job retooling their offensive line in front of Caleb Williams this offseason. That allows them to not force an OL pick here. Is Ashton Jeanty a bit of a luxury pick? Sure, but he'll have an immediate role in Ben Johnson's offense and should help keep Chicago in a playoff window throughout his rookie contract. A young big three of Williams, Jeanty, and Rome Odunze is an exciting trio to build around."
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears all aboard the Ashton Jeanty train
Continue reading...
