Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Draft Big Board: draft prospects to know before the offseason begins

The Chicago Bears' 2024 season isn't over, but the college football regular season has ended. It's time to take inventory of who could be the next Bears draftees.

Here are some prospects to know ahead of the Bears' pivotal offseason.

Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Draft Big Board

Offensive linemen prospects

1. Will Campbell, OT - LSU

Arguably the top tackle on the board, the Bears could take Campbell and begin a major offensive line overhaul. Campbell's calling card is pass protection, which is exactly what the Bears' need.

2. Kelvin Banks, OT - Texas

Banks is another top option on the offensive line, and he's viewed as one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft. His ability to block defensive linemen and block in the second level is what makes him a top-level prospect who should be on the Bears' board.

3. Tyler Booker, G - Alabama

The Bears' more pressing needs are on the interior of the offensive line. Why not take the best guard prospect in the draft? Booker would solidify one of the Bears' guard spots who boasts a slew of pros and a very light list of cons. His headlining trait is how powerful he is as a run blocker in the middle.

4. Emery Jones, OT - LSU

If Campbell is gone, why not take his pass blocking mate across the field? Bears' interim head coach Thomas Brown stressed playing with violence since he took over. Jones is known to have that edge to him.

5. Armand Membou, OL - Missouri

If the Bears opt for a Day 2 selection on the offensive line, Membou wouldn't be a consolation prize at all. The Kansas City-area native is versatile, having played both guard and tackle at Missouri, and was one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the SEC. 

Defensive linemen prospects

1. Abdul Carter, DE - Penn State 

This might be too rich for the Bears, as in the Bears might not have a draft pick high enough to get Carter. Billed as a pure speed rusher, Carter recorded 10 sacks and two forced fumbles for Penn State in the 2024 regular season, helping the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff. 

2. Mykel Williams, DL - Georgia 

Williams is a versatile pick. He's played multiple positions on the defensive line at Georgia, but his combination of power and speed make him a blue-chip pass rusher prospect. 

3. Nic Scourton, DL - Texas A&M

Scourton brings plenty of experience. He was noted for his pass rushing at Purdue before he transferred Texas A&M. Scourton would bring massive size to the edge of the Bears' pass rush that would match what Sweat brings.

4. James Pearce Jr., DL - Tennessee

The Volunteers' primary pass rusher has recorded 17 sacks in the last two seasons for Tennessee. He's rangy and has the ability to drop back into coverage, but Pearce's headlining abilities are how he rushes the passer. That's what the Bears need opposite Sweat.

5. Princely Umanmielen, DE - Ole Miss

Much we explained like earlier, it depends who the Bears take in the first round. If the Bears opt for an offensive linemen early, Umanmielen could be a pass rusher the Bears could take on Day 2. A transfer from Florida to Mississippi, Umanmielen has 25.5 career sacks and recorded 10.5 of them in 2024. He's a pure pass rusher that could flourish across from Sweat.

Best Player Available (BPA) prospects

These are players who play in positions that aren't necessarily needs for the Bears at this point in time, but if they fall to the Bears in the first or second rounds they'll be tough to pass up.

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB - Boise State

The ultimate "Best Player Available" tag might go to the guy who's one of the best running backs the sport has ever seen. Jeanty isn't just a talented back, he's one of the best after contact. Jeanty gained 1,889 yards after contact in 2024, which is more than the total rushing yards of any FBS player and 61 different FBS teams. Picking Jeanty after paying D'Andre Swift, however, is a difficult argument to make.

2. Luther Burden III, WR - Missouri

As a disclaimer: I covered Luther Burden at Missouri, so you can trust me when I say he was more often than not the best athlete on the field even as a freshman. He has a wide catch radius, breakaway speed, dependable hands and can factor in on special teams. It's hard to see the Bears drafting another receiver in the first round after taking Rome Odunze last season, though.

3. Tyler Warren, TE - Penn State

This depends on what happens at tight end this offseason for the Bears. Cole Kmet is still the star tight end, but if there's a shake up in that room why not look at the John Mackey Award winner? Warren has dependable hands and size to run over defenders. But, tight end isn't a high need in the slightest. 

4. Kaleb Johnson, RB - Iowa

Much like the Jeanty discussion, Johnson would be warranted if the Bears make some changes at running back. After trading Khalil Herbert to the Bengals, it's fair to say a Day 2 pick would provide more value than Travis Homer or another running back at the third-string of the depth chart. Johnson ran for 1,537 yards, scored 21 touchdowns and averaged 6.4 yards per carry in 2024. If that could be worth one of the Bears' second round picks.

5. Xavier Watts, S - Notre Dame

Some evaluations have Watts falling to the third round, which you could argue is a steal for an All-American safety. A player like Watts could be healthy insurance for the Bears at safety as the team faces long-term questions surrounding Jaquan Brisker's concussion history, as well as Kevin Byard, Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens' contracts that will expire after 2025.

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