Ensuring that Caleb Williams is protected has been the priority of the Chicago Bears' offseason.
With three news starters added to the offensive line in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, the Bears could complete the overhaul by finding their long-term left tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Incumbent Bears' starting left tackle Braxton Jones is returning from an ankle injury that ended his 2024 season in December, and may be limited when the team opens training camp in July. That could open the door for the Bears to address the tackle position in the first round of the draft.
That is exactly what Pro Football Focus has the Bears doing. Pro Football Focus recently did a seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft for every team. For the Bears, they have the focus remaining on the trenches.
PFF's projected 2025 Chicago Bears' draft picks
- Round 1, No. 10 - Tackle Josh Simmons, Ohio State
- Round 2, No. 39 - Edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, Mississippi
- Round 2, No. 41 - Running back Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
- Round 3, No. 72 - Offensive lineman Charles Grants, William & Mary
- Round 5, No. 148 - Center Jared Wilson, Georgia
- Round 6, No. 197 - Wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, Illinois
- Round 7, No. 235 - Safety Dean Clark, Fresno State
It's hard to take any issue with the first three selections they have for the Bears. Would be curious to know if Will Campbell and Armand Membou were taking ahead of Simmons in the first round. If that's the case, I would still think the Bears would then trade back instead of taking Simmons. Even after the signing of Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears would be wise to add an edge rusher early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Odeyinbo's arrival does allow for Umanmielen to be an intriguing option in the second round. Johnson has also been a name connected to the Bears throughout the offseason.
Of the remaining selections, the one that is most compelling is Wilson in the fifth round. Even with Dalman in the fold, the Bears would be wise to add a young center in the draft that could be the future starter.