The Chicago Bears seem far off from competing for a Super Bowl, but the team appears to be moving in the right direction after hiring Ben Johnson as the new head coach. The offensive guru was brought in to help bring the offense into relevance -- something this team has not seen consistently since...well, ever.
One area of concern is how Ryan Poles and Johnson can find a way to rebuild the interior of the Bears' offensive line. The unit is likely to see Teven Jenkins walk in free agency while having no other player on the roster (or leaving it) worthy of being a starter. Poles and Johnson have their work cut out for them and I think most fans would like to see an offensive lineman taken with the team's first-round pick. Daniel Jeremiah has Poles doing exactly that in the first version of his mock draft series.
Here is the problem though. Jeremiah has Poles taking an offensive guard at 10 overall who is seen as more of a late first-rounder or early second-rounder. CBS Sports has him ranked 29th. Pro Football Focus has him ranked 67th. NFL Draft Buzz has him ranked 37th and Drafttek has him ranked 47th. I haven't finished my draft rankings yet, but I have him with a late-round first and early second-round grade. I think the soonest I'd even consider him is 25. The player in question here is Alabama offensive guard, Tyler Booker.
Daniel Jeremiah has Tyler Booker going to Chicago in his first mock draft
Although it is too early in my draft prep to ascertain a good prediction, having Booker this early in the mock draft is a little crazy. I'm not thrilled with the overall talent coming out in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, I still don't think Booker deserves to be a top 10 pick. Jeremiah seems to disagree though and had this to say about Tyler Booker.
"I think Booker is one of the safest picks in the draft. He will help firm up the offensive line for Caleb Williams."Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
Now, I somewhat agree with the thought process here. Booker looks to be a very good guard who can pass-protect like the best of them. However, his run blocking isn't quite up to par for a player being selected that soon in the upcoming draft. I would have preferred to see Jeremiah go less safe with a pick like Ashton Jeanty (RB) or Kelvin Banks, Jr. (OT). With how this draft class is shaping up, I think trading back is going to be the best option if a trade partner becomes available.