The 4-7 Chicago Bears are firmly out of the postseason picture and should already be looking toward a critical offseason. Head coach Matt Eberflus is at risk of being relieved of his duties. General manager Ryan Poles must also utilize the 2025 NFL Draft to improve a roster that is failing to maximize 2024 expectations.
We've completed a seven-round mock draft, offering an early look at how the Bears could begin revamping the roster.
Round 1 (No. 12 overall): Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
This upcoming offseason is all about improving the situation around franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. The offensive line has been a constant issue for the Bears this season. They lack a long-term starter at right guard after admitting defeat on Nate Davis, and left tackle Braxton Jones will be entering a contract year. Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. possesses the positional versatility to address right guard or left tackle moving forward.
Round 2 (No. 40 overall): J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Poles needs to address the EDGE position opposite Montez Sweat. DeMarcus Walker and Darrell Taylor are sharing reps and have combined for a modest 5.5 sacks. Taylor is a pending free agent and Walker is a potential cap casualty. J.T. Tuimoloau is a pro-ready defensive end with three-down potential due to his run-stopping ability.
Round 2 (No. 43 overall): Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Gervon Dexter Sr. is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign, but the Bears could use better depth and production from their other interior defensive lineman. Zacch Pickens has yet to develop and the aging Andrew Billings doesn't have a long-term projection with the team. Deone Walker is an occasionally dominant player with a higher ceiling than he's displayed at Kentucky this season.
Round 3 (No. 74 overall): Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
Georgia's Jared Wilson may be the top-ranked center in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a third-round projection, the Bears address another immediate need on their offensive line. Starter Coleman Shelton, who signed a one-year contract in the offseason, is a bridge-type solution.
Round 5 (No. 150 overall): Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
Are the Bears going to re-sign Keenan Allen? Poles made an aggressive move to acquire Allen in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in the offseason, but it hasn't panned out. The aging wideout is in a contract year, has missed time with injury, and has produced just 39 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Poles did not sign him to an immediate extension, leaving wiggle room for a do-over. Tez Johnson is a speedy and skilled slot receiver who would join D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze in a quality receiver room.
Round 6 (No. 203 overall): Hunter Wohler, SAF, Wisconsin
Poles needs to consider his long-term outlook at safety. Jaquan Brisker is currently on IR, but he's an outstanding defender who should be a centerpiece for years to come. The opposite starter Kevin Byard will be 32 next season in a contract year. Hunter Wohler boasts an impressive NFL frame with instincts in coverage and a skill set ready for a line-of-scrimmage role.
Round 7 (No. 228 overall): David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
If the Bears lose both Walker and Taylor at EDGE in the offseason, not only will they need a full-time starter, but they'll need some developmental depth as well. Central Arkansas' David Walker recently received his invite to this year's Senior Bowl. Walker has elite production and possesses a legitimate opportunity to be the first sub-FBS defensive prospect drafted in April.
Round 7 (No. 244 overall): Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
You can never have enough cornerback depth. Despite suffering an injury this season, Florida cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. has broken up four passes and forced a fumble. Marshall Jr. is an outstanding athlete with reactive hips in press-man coverage.
