When talking through potential needs on the Chicago Bear's roster following the 2025 NFL Draft, running back and edge rusher have dominated the conversation.
The Bears didn't quite address either position with much attentiveness during the draft. Sure, there has been an uptick in belief that seventh-round pick, running back Kyle Monangai, could have an important role in Ben Johnson's offense, but the idea of the Bears' adding a running back hasn't entirely been ruled out.
As for an edge rusher, the Bears didn't draft one. The Bears have Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat, but are incredibly thin behind each veteran. If the Bears do not add a veteran to the mix before the start of the season, there would be a reliance on Austin Booker to take a step forward in his second season in the NFL.
Lost in the talk about the Bears potentially adding a running back or edge rusher is that there is a different position on the roster where the Bears do not currently have a starter. After letting Jack Sanborn leave via free agency, the Bears will need a new starting strong-side linebacker. While speaking with reporters on Friday, Johnson addressed that need.
"That 3rd spot, it's up for grabs. We do have a prototype. DA has got a prototype of what Sam would look like...Let's find our third-best linebacker, and we'll figure it out from there. We've got a lot of scenarios going on in our heads right now of what that could be. We won't know for sure until we get pads on. Obviously, Noah Sewell has been in the building & he has shown good things & we've got a good mix of other guys," Johnson told reporters on Friday.
Polarizing Bears' draft pick could emerge as a starter
Eyebrows were raised when the Bears selected linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round of this year's draft. Hyppolite wasn't quite on anyone's radar in the fourth round, but could easily slide into the role of being the Bears' starting strong-side linebacker next season.
But, part of the reason why the Bears may not be overly worried is because of how often they will be nickel formation. That is likely the main reason why the team was willing to let Sanborn find a new team this offseason. Beyond that, Kyler Gordon will likely see his role expanded in the Bears' defense under Dennis Allen.