While they were heavily projected to add a big name running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears didn’t land a new rusher until the seventh-round. However, general manager Ryan Poles made a concerted effort to try and infuse Chicago’s offense with another key rushing threat.
After taking tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick, the Bears entered day two with three picks inside the top 75. At No. 39, they decided to select wide receiver Luther Burden. From there, Chicago continuously traded back, ultimately ending up with three second-round picks.
Originally, the Bears had a much different plan. Poles and company were trying to execute a trade up to select Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, via Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. Their attempts ended up being futile, as the New England Patriots drafted Henderson with the No. 38 overall pick; one selection before Burden.
“On Friday evening, fingers in the Halas Hall draft room remained crossed that a swing at landing a playmaking running back would connect,” Wiederer wrote. “Poles pressed the gas and made aggressive attempts to trade up. Henderson’s blend of speed and vision, plus his tenacity in pass protection and skill as a pass catcher, were alluring. The Bears had significant interest.”
“The Bears’ push to cut one spot in line in front of the Patriots in Round 2 also had momentum,” Wiederer continued. “Until it didn’t. At the last minute, New England made its decision at No. 38. Henderson was announced as the newest member of Mike Vrabel’s offense at 6:33 p.m.”
Chicago Bears stand pat, miss out on TreVeyon Henderson
There’s no doubting that Henderson would’ve been a massive boon for Chicago’s offense. New head coach Ben Johnson was known for his dynamic rushing schemes with the Detroit Lions. It’s clear the Bears are in need of some extra rushing help, finishing the 2024 season ranked 25th in total rushing, averaging 102 yards per game.
Henderson on the other hand ran for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns during his senior season, adding 27 grabs for 284 and a touchdown. Henderson led the Big Ten by averaging 7.1 yards per carry, ultimately winning the national championship with Ohio State.
But for as tantalizing as the idea of Henderson joining Chicago is, the price was ultimately far too expensive. The Bears couldn’t have known about the run on running backs to come later in the draft. They decided instead to hold onto their draft capital rather than cut themselves thin throughout the entire draft.
Both the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins traded before the Patriots at No. 35 and No. 37 specifically. The Seahawks gave up their No. 52 and No. 82 picks to move up. The Dolphins traded away picks No. 48, No. 135 to come up the board.
At the start of day two, the Bears had picks No. 39, No. 41, No. 72 as well as a fourth-rounder and late round picks in their pocket. Based on Seattle and Miami’s trade structures, Chicago would’ve needed to trade at least two of those day two picks to move up.
The Bears managed to land Burden, tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive lineman Shemar Turner on day two. Should they have swung a trade to move up before the Patriots, those opportunities wouldn’t be available. And while they would have Henderson, the rest of Chicago’s roster would look a bit weak.
How the 2025 NFL Draft played out in terms of the Bears’ running back whiff will be talked about all offseason. But Poles and Johnson are being meticulous in their roster building process. They didn’t want to mortgage the future for one player. Even if that player would revolutionize their offense.
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