Ben Johnson's influence already impacting the Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Draft

Ashton Jeanty is one of the top NFL Draft prospects this year. A running back from Boise State by way of Frisco, Texas, he rushed for 2,601 yards, second most in NCAA history, and led the FBS in both yards from scrimmage and rushing yards. He won both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards and was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

While the draft is still more than two months away, some Bears fans have been salivating the idea of drafting Jeanty for a while. However, he was not keen on the idea of playing for Chicago while he was doing a live stream during a bye week in October because he did not like the cold. It was hard to fault him, considering he was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended high school in Frisco, TX, all warm-weather states.

So it came as a complete shock when Jeanty stood next to Caleb Williams on his IG last month.

Then Jeanty stoked more fire when he appeared on NBC's Fantasy Football Happy Hour YouTube Channel yesterday from Radio Row at the Super Bowl. Without being asked, he mentioned Chicago as a nice landing spot at No. 10.

Drafting Jeanty with the 10th pick is a massive gamble for the Bears

The Bears must address their offensive line first and foremost this off-season. When free agency officially begins, they must sign veteran offensive linemen such as guard Trey Smith and Will Fries and center Drew Dalman, etc. Whatever holes remain on the offensive line, they will likely draft one or even two linemen with their first three picks.

Let's not forget they also need to address their defensive line with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in charge. They need a young edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat and also find a backup interior tackle for Andrew Billings. If they decide to trade down, they will have interesting players at the 10th overall selection or later, such as Nic Scourton, Shemar Stewart, Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant, and Mike Green.

Perhaps Jeanty took notice of the hiring Ben Johnson, and saw how David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were productive in Detroit. It is amazing how much hiring him has changed the perception of the franchise around the league.

The Bears under Kevin Warren as the team president are operating with a different mindset. Whether Jeanty is drafted by the Bears or not, Johnson's hiring may have changed how they are being perceived around the league, which benefits them in the long run.