The Chicago Bears will likely spend their first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, which currently sits at No. 10 overall, on a player who will help GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson get the most out of Caleb Williams. One player who can check that box is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty appears to be a lock to be selected at some point within the first 10 picks, as his peerless ability to break tackles and dominate in between the tackles has made him a player that anyone needing a nitro-boost on offense will trip over themselves trying to acquire. Two teams have risen as favorites to land him.
The Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 5 overall have been linked to Jeanty quite often in recent days, and the running back-needy Las Vegas Raiders could be the next best stop for him at No. 6 overall. Chicago is not going to let their suboptimal Draft position cost them a chance at landing a bell cow running back.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini is reporting that the Bears are making calls to move up from No. 10 in the order, with the sole focus of this desire to make a trade being to secure Jeanty in the Top 10.
Bears plotting trade up for Ashton Jeanty in 2025 NFL Draft
Jeanty was just a few yards short of breaking Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record despite playing with, at most, one future NFL player on his Broncos offensive line. With Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman blocking for him, Jeanty could reach even bigger heights.
Jeanty would likely push D'Andre Swift, who Ben Johnson has already parted ways with once in Detroit, out of his starting role. With Chicago's new-look offensive line, Jeanty could be in a situation where he could instantly challenge for well over 1,000 yards in the pros.
Chicago will need to target another pass rusher to beef up Dennis Allen's defense and land one more developmental tackle, but the idea of mortgaging a bit of their future to acquire Jeanty would be a bold move from a GM in Poles that is under fire and a new coach in Johnson who wants to shake things up.
Jeanty, Williams, and the 1-2 punch of DJ Moore and Rome Odunze could give the Bears the most high-octane offense this team has had in decades. He will cost a pretty penny, but his stats suggest he is worth it.