To say Chicago Bears fans are excited for the 2025 NFL Draft would be an understatement.
This team has done a ton of work over the past couple of months to help fortify the roster and coaching staff. Now, it's all about continuing to add talent and competition at almost any and all positions.
But, Year 2 for Caleb Williams is going to be the story for 2025. How do the Bears get the most out of their quarterback? There are some specific prospects in this class who could be of particular help to the Bears and Williams.
The Bears could add some serious firepower in the 2025 NFL Draft while giving Caleb Williams even more confidence
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
We don't need to spend much time on Ashton Jeanty. Most know just how good he is by now. He's the best back in this draft, period. The thought of what Ben Johnson could do with him in this offense is as tantalizing as any draft scenario this year.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Is he a tackle? Is he a guard? Truthfully, it doesn't matter. Will Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft. He's going to have one heck of a career, and if he's there at no. 10, the Bears would be more than justified in selecting him. Giving some competition to the guys on the left side, and maybe even on the interior in future years, is only a positive thing.
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
There's been a lot of talk about the Bears potentially taking Tyler Warren at no. 10 overall, but with Cole Kmet being as steady as they get, using that high of a pick on another tight end might not be the route.
However, if Mason Taylor happens to be there in the second round, using one of their picks on the LSU product to give the team a one-two punch at the position would make a lot of sense. Taylor is a strong blocker and would give the Bears that ideal compliment to Kmet while also helping protect Williams and be an effective part of the run-blocking scheme.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
If it's not Jeanty, maybe it's Omarion Hampton. The question is, would he be there in the second round or will the Bears have to trade back up into the first round? Currently, he's Daniel Jeremiah's no. 13 overall player in this draft. Hampton is largely viewed as the second-best back in this class and, if it weren't for the outstanding talent of Jeanty, he'd be the clear no. 1.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
A defensive player? To help Caleb Williams? You bet.
Not many are talking about the Bears' need at safety, but with Kevin Byard's contract up after 2025 and Jaquan Brisker's injury history, it's certainly a need. And, what better way to give your quarterback a boost than to snag a defensive playmaker with a nose for the football?
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Takeaways often lead to ideal field position for the offense and Nick Emmanwori is a ball hawk. The 6-foot-3 athlete would be an under-the-radar pick in Round 2, but well-worth it.
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Another option at pick 10 might be yet one more offensive lineman. Armand Membou is a top-2 tackle in this class and could very likely go before the Bears are on the clock. But, if he's there, it might be hard to pass on him.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Currently, Matthew Golden has gotten a lot of first-round buzz. But, there are only 32 picks to be had in the round. Every year, there are plenty of prospects who slip into Round 2 and become values. Golden could check that box.
The Bears don't necessarily need another wideout. However, Golden represents a literal golden opportunity if he's there at pick 39. His speed is something Ben Johnson could utilize in a scary way. You can't teach 4.3 speed, and Golden has it. It isn't any wonder why Johnson's former team has already met with the Texas speedster.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
If the Bears don't take an offensive lineman in the first two rounds, it wouldn't be a surprise and it also wouldn't be a bad thing. They have plenty of flexibility.
But, Aireontae Ersery could be an ideal Round 3 target and the 6-foot-6 tackle gives Chicago a potential future building block on the offensive line. Again, giving Braxton Jones (and Kiran Amegadjie) some competition is more than justified.