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The Chicago Bears are entering the 2025 NFL draft with high expectations after an impressive offseason. From landing the big fish in coaching free agency with Ben Johnson to upgrading the entire interior of their offensive line, and adding significant talent to the defensive line, Chicago is poised to turn heads in 2025.
Last year, the Bears were dead set on using their two first-round picks to solidify the quarterback position and add more weapons on offense, which they did by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. But they'll have more flexibility when it comes to the 10th overall pick and their other six selections.
Given the moves Chicago made to shore up the trenches this offseason, the Bears have put themselves into position to select the best player available rather than drafting for need. With that in mind, here are the biggest questions facing the Bears' offense ahead of the 2025 NFL draft:
Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry reignited the running back position last season, which could have a direct effect on this year's draft. There's no secret that the Bears didn't get the desired production from D'Andre Swift in his first season with the team, and that leaves the door open to add talent at the position. Ben Johnson thrived in Detroit with a two-headed rushing attack in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The former was drafted with the 12th overall pick in 2023, which was a surprise at the time. After Chicago upgraded their offensive line in free agency, there's been plenty of discussion on them adding Ashton Jeanty at 10th overall. But will the Bears follow the new running back trend or shift their focus elsewhere? Or will Jeanty even make it to 10?
Coming off a fractured ankle suffered late last season, there is serious questions to the status of Braxton Jones entering the 2025 season. The questions don't just start and end with the injury -- which Ben Johnson expects to keep him limited as training camp opens -- as Jones' contract is set to expire at the end of this year. But are the Bears looking for competition or a replacement? If a running back is not the target with their first round pick, common sense would say the Bears will look at the left tackle position, and it would be a nearly rebuilt offensive line if that's the direction they decide to go. Jones has been serviceable for the team as a three-year starter, but their draft evaluations at the position could lead to a new franchise left tackle joining the roster.
Chicago has three picks in the first 41 selections, and with no urgent needs, they've got the flexibility of adding any position when the timing is right. For instance, the front office will have to decide if it's best to select a running back in the first round and then an offensive tackle in the second, or vice versa. It will be a challenge for general manager Ryan Poles, but it's not going to make or break the offseason. Finding the right value at the right time is what every team is looking to do in the draft. But there is depth at running back and offensive in this year's draft class, so Chicago will have plenty of options to choose from.
Specifically looking at the wide receiver and tight end position, the Bears have cemented starters, but behind them there are a handful of players who signed one-year deals this offseason. At wide receiver, the team brought in Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay to serve behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Meanwhile, at tight end, Durham Smythe will serve as depth behind Cole Kmet. The Bears will have to decide if they want to bring in new depth through the draft, having players who will be around for longer than just one year.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Biggest questions facing Chicago Bears offense
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Last year, the Bears were dead set on using their two first-round picks to solidify the quarterback position and add more weapons on offense, which they did by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. But they'll have more flexibility when it comes to the 10th overall pick and their other six selections.
Given the moves Chicago made to shore up the trenches this offseason, the Bears have put themselves into position to select the best player available rather than drafting for need. With that in mind, here are the biggest questions facing the Bears' offense ahead of the 2025 NFL draft:
1. Is Ashton Jeanty worth the 10th overall pick?
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Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry reignited the running back position last season, which could have a direct effect on this year's draft. There's no secret that the Bears didn't get the desired production from D'Andre Swift in his first season with the team, and that leaves the door open to add talent at the position. Ben Johnson thrived in Detroit with a two-headed rushing attack in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The former was drafted with the 12th overall pick in 2023, which was a surprise at the time. After Chicago upgraded their offensive line in free agency, there's been plenty of discussion on them adding Ashton Jeanty at 10th overall. But will the Bears follow the new running back trend or shift their focus elsewhere? Or will Jeanty even make it to 10?
2. How much trust in Braxton Jones at left tackle?
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Coming off a fractured ankle suffered late last season, there is serious questions to the status of Braxton Jones entering the 2025 season. The questions don't just start and end with the injury -- which Ben Johnson expects to keep him limited as training camp opens -- as Jones' contract is set to expire at the end of this year. But are the Bears looking for competition or a replacement? If a running back is not the target with their first round pick, common sense would say the Bears will look at the left tackle position, and it would be a nearly rebuilt offensive line if that's the direction they decide to go. Jones has been serviceable for the team as a three-year starter, but their draft evaluations at the position could lead to a new franchise left tackle joining the roster.
3. When is the right time to add playmakers?
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Chicago has three picks in the first 41 selections, and with no urgent needs, they've got the flexibility of adding any position when the timing is right. For instance, the front office will have to decide if it's best to select a running back in the first round and then an offensive tackle in the second, or vice versa. It will be a challenge for general manager Ryan Poles, but it's not going to make or break the offseason. Finding the right value at the right time is what every team is looking to do in the draft. But there is depth at running back and offensive in this year's draft class, so Chicago will have plenty of options to choose from.
4. What about depth?
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Specifically looking at the wide receiver and tight end position, the Bears have cemented starters, but behind them there are a handful of players who signed one-year deals this offseason. At wide receiver, the team brought in Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay to serve behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Meanwhile, at tight end, Durham Smythe will serve as depth behind Cole Kmet. The Bears will have to decide if they want to bring in new depth through the draft, having players who will be around for longer than just one year.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Biggest questions facing Chicago Bears offense
Continue reading...
