The Chicago Bears didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for this season out of their 2024 NFL Draft class, but quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze both offer hope for the future. With Bears head coach now responsible for maximizing Chicago’s young talent, the team should be better positioned for a turnaround as long as it nails the 2025 NFL Draft. Our Bears mock draft examines how Chicago can build around Williams and potentially build this team into a playoff contender next season.
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1st Round, 10th overall: Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Will Campbell entered the NFL Scouting Combine widely viewed as the best offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft. The LSU Tigers’ All-American impressed teams in interviews, but his short arms (33 and 7/8 inches) reaffirmed why some clubs believe he’ll have to play guard. He’s still the best lineman in the class. He’s already faced NFL-caliber pass rushers in the SEC and held his own. moves well for his size and could immediately challenge Braxton Jones to be the Bears’ left tackle in 2025. Even if he has to kick inside to left guard, Campbell could become a multi-time Pro Bowl selection at that spot.
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2nd Round, 39th overall: Grey Zabel, iOL, North Dakota State
We’re making the offensive line a priority in our Bears mock draft. A big reason why is because Johnson’s offenses thrived with the assistance of one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The Detroit Lions didn’t just have a great tackle tandem, they had high-end starters at nearly every position. After drafting Campbell to play left guard potentially, we add North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel to start at center. Zabel has starting experience at four different positions and he’s got a reputation for being very coachable. Chicago could try him out at guard if Campbell sticks at left tackle, but the idea here would be forming a Bears offensive line from left to right of Braxton Jones, Will Campbell, Grey Zabel and Darnell Wright with a veteran at right guard.
2nd Round, 41st overall: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Chicago Bears defense finished last season ranked 24th in ESPN pass-rush win rate (37 percent), 29th in run-stop win rate (28 percent) and 19th in hurry rate (7.4%). Montez Sweat – 12 QB hits and 5.5 sacks in 16 games – was a disappointment. Sweat’s down year highlighted the need for more pass-rushing help. Arkansas edge rusher Landon Jackson lit up the NFL Combine – 9.88 Relative Athletic Score – and his athleticism shows up on the field. The 6-foot-6 edge rusher can add even more muscle to his frame and with added strength, his explosiveness off the edge and assortment of pass-rush moves could make him develop into an excellent No. 2 pass rusher for Chicago.
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3rd Round, 72nd overall: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
With the offensive line addressed early in our Bears mock draft, we can now turn our focus to the backfield. D’Andre Swift had some nice moments last season, but he also averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. Fortunately for Chicago, the 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at running back. Quinshon Judkins is an elite athlete – 9.95 RAS – with great size (6-foot and 221 pounds) to go with it. He’s also a smart runner who excels at playing through first contact and he can contribute on passing downs. He would have an immediate role in the Bears’ offense and could eventually become the featured back.
5th Round, 149th overall: R.J. Oben, EDGE, Notre Dame
Chicago has a few early picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and then will be in for a long wait until some late-round picks on Day 3. After loading up on blue-chip talent early, now it’s about finding depth and taking a few swings. Notre Dame edge rusher RJ Oben proved he was a high-effort player in college and he had some impressive moments at the Senior Bowl. At the very least, he’ll add depth at a position of need for Chicago.
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6th Round, 198th overall: Jimmy Horn Jr, WR, Colorado
With Keenan Allen headed out the door, there’s a need for more depth at wide receiver in Chicago. Jimmy Horn Jr. was overshadowed at Colorado by Travis Hunter, but he did generate some buzz at the NFL Combine with a great gauntlet drill performance and good speed (4.46 40-yard dash). He’s undersized (5-foot-8), but he’s got speed and he knows how to use it in the open field. Horn could be used creatively by Ben Johnson and Chicago would also use him as a return specialist.
7th Round, 235th overall: Ethan Downs, EDGE, Oklahoma
The need for pass-rushing help could lead Chicago to take multiple chances on Day 3, including with some upside targets. Ethan Downs is undersized for his position, but he’s a great athlete (9.49 RAS). He’s a high-motor player with flexibility coming around the edge. At the very least, he would have a decent shot of making the Bears practice squad in 2025.
7th Round, 242nd overall: Joshua Gray, iOL, Oregon State
Just a little more offensive line depth for the Bears. Joshua Gray played left tackle at Oregon State before the team kicked him inside to guard this past season. He handled the transition even better than expected and he should be just scratching the surface of his potential on the inside. Gray was also a tea captain at Ohio State and while he might not be ready to see the field in 2025, he could be a very good backup in 2026.