The Chicago Bears are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with plenty of decisions to make. With four picks inside the top 75 and a revamped roster, the Bears can go in a number of different directions with their draft strategy.
Who they’re targeting has been well established. Chicago has been tied to players on both sides of the ball, mainly taking a best-player-available approach. This is due to their offseason moves. The Bears invested heavily in their offensive and defensive line, helping fix the biggest holes on their roster. Because of that, Chicago isn’t locked into solely drafting for need.
At the same time, the Bears have the power to move up or down the board. They have enough draft capital to entice teams higher up in the top 10. But with plenty of positions in need of help, Chicago could instead decide to take multiple swings on high upside NFL Draft prospects.
With No. 10, the Bears are in prime trade territory for any team with quarterback needs. Since Caleb Williams is in place, Chicago obviously won’t be taking one. But if a player like Shedeur Sanders is available, moving up to No. 10 ensures a franchise gets their quarterback of the future. Furthermore, it allows the Bears to get a player atop their board while not having to reach and a few extra draft picks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a prime team to fulfil that exact scenario heading into the draft. And former general manager Mike Tannenbaum thinks the Bears should take advantage. He suggests the Steelers move up from their No. 21 pick all the way to No. 10 for the opportunity to take Sanders, via Andrew Stockey of WTAE, h/t Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot.
“Do you wanna win for today and develop for tomorrow?” Tannenbaum asked. “I look for a trade to me was Pittsburgh coming up from 21 to the Bears at 10 if Shedeur Sanders is still there. Get Shedeur into your program. Try to go as far you can with Aaron Rodgers this year and know you have his successor already in your program.”
What Chicago Bears could get in trade
Since the Steelers would be coming up 11 picks into the top 10, the Bears would get quite the haul in a trade. Nothing would be finalized until a deal is announced, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Chicago receive a high mid-round pick as well as Pittsburgh’s first-round selection in 2026. The Bears could force a bidding war amongst QB-needy teams to draw the price up.
Chicago would lose their opportunity to pick in the top 10. In that sense, maybe they wouldn’t be able to get one of the more elite players in the 2025 class. But at the same time, it also gives the Bears an opportunity to be more versatile in their decision making. They can see how the board in unfolding and make their selection based on best player available.
Furthermore, the trade would give Chicago what they believe is a brighter future. Not only do they get more chances to land top talent in 2025, but any future picks would only strengthen the Bears’ war chest. Everyone is expecting immediate success in year one of the Ben Johnson era. But the franchise knows Rome, nor Chicago were built in a day. Continuing to strengthen their future ensures the Bears are on a path towards success.
All of this could go out the window if a player like running back Ashton Jeanty is available. But if the Steelers, or any team, make an offer the Bears can’t refuse, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them move down the board.
Who Bears would target
With the No. 10 pick, the Bears would be expected get a true day one franchise difference maker. At No. 21, they can take more a chance on athleticism and intangibles. Not that their pick will be any less significant to the team, but at that stage of the draft, Chicago can value player’s ceilings.
That could lead to a top edge rusher like James Pearce Jr, Mike Green or Shemar Stewart if they’re on the board. They could further bolster their secondary with a safety like Nick Emmanwori or double down in the trenches with interior offensive lineman Tyler Booker. Or, the Bears can solve their running back issue without using a top 10 pick.
Omarion Hampton of North Carolina is widely considered the second-best running back in the class. He ran for an ACC-leading 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. His playmaking and pass blocking ability would fit well next to D’Andre Swift in the Bears’ backfield. However, No. 10 is way higher than Hampton has been projected to go. If Jeanty goes before Chicago’s selection, rather than reaching for Hampton, they can recoup draft capital from the Steelers while landing the running back at a more reasonable No. 21.
That example can fit with plenty of prospects the Bears are targeting. The point is, Chicago must consider all possibilities come draft night, even moving back from their No. 10 spot.
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