There's no denying the Chicago Bears had a solid draft in 2025. However, there is one position the Bears should have made a priority in the later rounds of the draft: the fullback.
It might sound like an insane proposition at first. But drafting a fullback would fit the team's offensive philosophy and provide them with more options in terms of play calling.
For starters, the Bears proved they know how to run the ball in the past. They finished first in total rushing yards in 2022 and second for the 2023 season, respectively. Last season, their run game hit a nosedive, finishing in the bottom half of the league with just 1,734 rushing yards, which was good for 25th in the league.
With a new head coach and a second-year quarterback ready to prove themselves, it would make sense to commit to the run game. Having a strong run game takes pressure off everyone's back. Drafting a fullback to open holes and stuff incoming linebackers is an asset to any run game, especially in the tough NFC North.
A fullback can also help with pass protection. A glaring team need ahead of draft day, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-leading 68 times in his rookie season.
It's almost impossible for a young quarterback to adjust to the NFL when they are under that kind of pressure. Including a fullback in passing formations would give Williams a stout blocker to cover blitzing linebackers and defensive backs.
Besides being a reliable blocker in the running and passing game, the Bears can also draw up plays for their new fullback, especially on the goal line. During times last season, the Bears used backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. at fullback in goal-line situations.
During a heartbreaking loss to the Washington Commanders, the Bears handed the ball to Kramer on a fullback dive. He fumbled. This miscue played a crucial factor in the Bears taking the loss in this game.
We've seen what happens when you don't value the fullback position. If the Bears want to run a more efficient offense, they must commit to the fullback.
Winning football teams understand the importance of the fullback. Both teams in the Super Bowl last year employed a fullback on their roster. Khari Blasingame was the Philadelphia Eagles' starting fullback. Meanwhile, Kansas City Chiefs fullback Carson Steel quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his blocking and receiving ability.
Fullbacks available in the 2025 draft were Brant Kuithe out of Utah, Kansas' Jared Casey, and Old Dominion's Pat Conroy. It will be interesting to see if the Bears try converting Kyle Monangai, their seventh-round pick out of Rutgers, into a fullback thanks to his power running style. Either way, the Bears should seriously consider signing a fullback before training camp.