The Chicago Bears head into the 2025 NFL Draft not only with a top ten pick, but with two second-round picks as well. As speculation swirls around how the Bears will use that draft capital, ESPN analyst Matt Miller stirred the pot with his latest segment, offering a glimpse into the buzz surrounding Chicago’s draft intentions.
“What we’re hearing about the Bears’ draft: The Bears love Ashton Jeanty, according to scouts around the league who’ve observed the team’s activity this offseason. So the Boise State running back could be the pick at No. 10 … if he’s still around. Chicago has two second-round picks, so it could be aggressive and package them to trade back into the end of Round 1 if a desired pass rusher falls. That rusher could be a defensive tackle or an edge rusher, with the team viewing defensive tackle as a more pressing need.”
The Ashton Jeanty news makes sense; he’s a blue-chip prospect who will fill Chicago’s biggest need (arguably) at running back. The idea of trading back into the first round, however, seems to conflict with recent comments from GM Ryan Poles.
Mixed Messages Surround Chicago Bears’ Draft Plans
Ryan Poles’ Stance on the 2025 NFL Draft
“The top blue (players), I think that’s condensed pretty small in (round) 1. And then there’s a wide range of really good starting level players that are going to range from probably single digits all the way to 50, 60, 70.”
If Poles genuinely believes the talent gap between the top picks and those in the 50–70 range is minimal, then it would seem illogical to burn premium draft capital just to move up from picks 39 or 41.
Then again, Poles have a history of an aggressive draft mindset. Just last year, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham reportedly had to talk him out of trading up for Rome Odunze. So, it’s hard to say definitively what approach they’ll take.
Defensive Line Targets and Projections
One thing seems certain: the Bears are expected to target both a defensive tackle and an edge rusher in this draft. The big question is when they’ll strike. Given the team’s preference for addressing the interior defensive line first, names like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen, and Derrick Harmon could be on their radar. However, these prospects will likely be off the board before Chicago is back on the clock in the second round.
Should Poles and his staff fall in love with one of them, a trade-up could be inevitable, or even selecting one of those players at pick ten. But if Poles was being honest in his evaluation, there’s plenty of value to be found at 39 and 41. Other defensive linemen projected in the second round include but are not limited to Nic Scourton, Jack Sawyer, Princely Umanmielen, Tyleik Williams, Landon Jackson, and JT Tuimoloau.
Last Word on the Bears’ Draft Plans
Ultimately, the Bears need to do what’s best for their roster. If that means trading up for a can’t-miss prospect, so be it. But Poles wasn’t wrong—there’s quality to be found in the second round. This year’s draft class is loaded with potential contributors well beyond the first 32 picks. Unless a game-changer falls, the smart play may be to stay put.