Last year, it was no secret the Chicago Bears were all in on USC superstar Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This year, things are a bit murkier about which direction the Bears will go with their first-round pick.
In a recent discussion, Sports Illustrated senior writer Albert Breer was asked what position new head coach Ben Johnson sees as the team’s top need at No. 10, and his answer offered some revealing clues about Chicago’s draft intentions.
Report: Bears’ First-Round Draft Pick Likely Between Four Players
According to Breer, there are two players who would be slam-dunk selections if available at 10: Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Graham enters the draft after back-to-back seasons with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade above 90 and an elite 13.8% pass-rush win rate, outstanding numbers for a defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Jeanty is a rare breed at running back, racking up over 2,500 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a 94.9 overall PFF grade in 2024. Either player would be a huge win for the Bears if they’re still on the board.
But what if both were gone before pick 10?
Chicago may look to bolster the offensive line, especially with Braxton Jones entering the final year of his rookie contract and coming off an ankle injury. Breer mentioned Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks Jr. as two intriguing left tackle prospects the Bears could target.
Campbell has started since his freshman season at LSU and has only allowed five sacks in his entire collegiate career. Banks Jr. had an impressive 2024 season with an 86.2 overall grade and 89.9 pass-blocking grade by PFF. With no guarantees that a top-tier left tackle will be available next year, this could be the moment for Chicago to find their long-term answer at the position.
Dark Horse Position the Bears Could Target in Round One
If the Bears decide to go a different route, one position that has picked up steam is tight end. Despite re-signing Cole Kmet to a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023, Ben Johnson utilized 12 personnel sets on offense 32.2% of the snaps last season, which was third in the NFL.
That sets the stage for one of Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
Warren had 104 receptions for 1,230 yards, eight touchdowns, and 19 missed tackles forced during the 2024 season with a 91.3 overall grade and 93.4 receiving grade by PFF. On the other hand, Loveland had an 85.9 overall grade and 90.6 receiving grade by PFF in 2024, but was a National Champion with Michigan in 2023. NFL draft analyst Matt Miller weighed in on the debate between the two TEs for the Bears, saying, “Give me Colston Loveland to run 12 personnel with Cole Kmet. And I’d take him over Tyler Warren. Better mover. Better blocker. Better route-runner.”
No matter the direction the Bears go, they’ll have impact players to choose from at No. 10. Now it’s on GM Ryan Poles and the front office to make the call that shapes the future of the franchise.