The Chicago Bears have endured an incredibly disappointing and frustrating season. A campaign that fell significantly short of expectations will conclude in Week 18. The Bears are currently 4-12 and are slated to own a top-10 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Bears have already relieved head coach Matt Eberflus of his duties. General manager Ryan Poles, assuming he's retained, will be tasked with hiring a new coach that maximizes the talent of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. Improving the personnel this offseason is also critical to achieving that goal.
With that thought process in mind, we've conducted a seven-round mock draft that improves the Bears.
Round 1 (No. 9 overall): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Improving the protection in front of Williams needs to be Poles' top priority in the draft. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones has always felt like a bridge solution to something bigger. Jones suffered a season-ending injury that will impact his offseason program, and he'll be entering a contract year in 2025. Rookie blocker Kiran Amegadjie hasn't played well enough in spot duty to rely on him moving forward.
Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. is a plug-and-play tackle and I see him sticking outside as opposed to kicking to guard, as some have projected.
Round 2 (No. 37 overall): Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
The Bears are still searching for long-term running mates opposite Montez Sweat. DeMarcus Walker is a decent rotational player, but he's not an elite sack artist, totaling just 3.5 quarterback takedowns this season. Darrell Taylor is on an expiring contract and Austin Booker is still developing.
Princely Umanmielen would be a terrific addition. Umanmielen is a speedy rusher with natural athleticism, reaching a career-high 10.5 sacks this season.
Round 2 (No. 40 overall): Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
Are the Bears going to re-sign Keenan Allen? Poles has not negotiated a long-term extension with him despite acquiring him in the offseason. Though he's battled injuries, Allen has remained effective, accumulating 67 receptions for 719 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Even if he's retained, the Bears should think about a succession plan in the slot.
Xavier Restrepo would check that box. Suddenness and route-running make Restrepo a natural slot receiver.
Round 3 (No. 71 overall): Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
Missouri's Armand Membou is an underrated prospect. The Tigers' blocker is a fluid athlete in space, possessing all the traits necessary to immediately contribute at the next level. Membou is playing right tackle at Missouri, but projects to potentially kick inside in the NFL. The Bears should re-sign left guard Teven Jenkins, but they also have a hole at right guard.
Round 5 (No. 142 overall): Rylie Mills, DL, Notre Dame
Gervon Dexter Sr. has taken desirable steps forward as a sophomore this season, but better interior depth is required. Rylie Mills has been incredibly productive for Notre Dame this year, totaling 7.5 sacks. Mills has a red-hot motor and projects as an effective rotational defender moving forward.
Round 6 (No. 200 overall): Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
The aging Marcedes Lewis is playing on a one-year contract and may contemplate retirement this offseason. Lewis has been the primary blocking tight end in Chicago.
Georgia Tech's Jackson Hawes is this draft's best in-line blocker at the position and would free up Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett to do passing-game damage in Chicago next year.
Round 7 (No. 232 overall): Joshua Gray, C, Oregon State
Center Coleman Shelton is on a one-year contract and has been average at best this season. The Bears should invest a more premium resource at center, but adding day-three depth will also be needed. Joshua Gray appeared in 56 career contests at Oregon State, entering the draft as a multi-year starter.
Round 7 (No. 246 overall): William Wagner, LS, Michigan
Bears long snapper Patrick Scales isn't guaranteed to return in 2025. Michigan's William Wagner is arguably the best long-snapper in this class. Wagner recently accepted his Senior Bowl invite. He'll display a draftable skill set in Mobile, especially as a late seventh-rounder.
