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The Chicago Bears are finalizing their plans for the 2025 NFL draft, where they're in a prime position to add a boatload of talent with their four Top 75 selections, including the 10th overall pick.
With the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears prioritized improving the offensive and defensive trenches through free agency. General manager Ryan Poles also extended a couple of key defenders in cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Chicago's roster is starting to take shape, but it's far from a finished product with the draft and undrafted free agency still to come. For the most part, the Bears have their starting offense and defense in place (where there are some wild cards), but things could certainly change in the draft.
Before the Bears welcome a new crop of rookies to the roster, here's our latest 53-man roster projection:
There's no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Caleb Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. But Chicago did shake things up at backup quarterback with the signing of Case Keenum, who will serve as a mentor for Williams and compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup job.
This is a position that is expected to undergo changes during the NFL draft, especially with Ben Johnson now running the show. For now, D'Andre Swift is penciled in as the lead back with Roschon Johnson serving as his backup and short-yardage back. But Chicago is expected to add to their running back room in the draft (perhaps Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton in the first round), which will boot Ian Wheeler out as Travis Homer gets the nod on special teams.
DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they'll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. With Keenan Allen out, depth has become the biggest focus. Chicago signed Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency to contend for that WR3 role, and they're probably not done yet with the draft on deck. At this point, Moore, Odunze, Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay feel like the safe bets.
There's no disputing that Cole Kmet is the top tight end in this offense, but depth has been the biggest struggle in recent years. The Bears signed Durham Smythe, who was previously coached by Ben Johnson in Miami, to serve as a blocking tight end behind Kmet. But it certainly feels like there's another move coming in the draft (perhaps Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland in the first round).
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, via trade, and Drew Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, unless the Bears find an upgrade at left tackle in the draft. But there will be questions about finding the right depth options, and then there's potential competition for Braxton Jones perhaps coming in the draft.
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Montez Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Dayo Odeyingbo, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Austin Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. But Chicago could add another in the draft.
Chicago had a solid duo of Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter's play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Grady Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher. Expect to see plenty of Jarrett, Dexter and Billings this season. And it wouldn't be a surprise to see a rookie bump Zacch Pickens out of that roster spot.
There aren't really big changes at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Now, it's up for former fifth-round pick Noah Sewell to step up, along with returning depth piece and special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga.
No changes when it comes to cornerback, which is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Jaylon Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Kyler Gordon, who recently signed a contract extension, and Tyrique Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season.
Chicago's starting safety duo is set with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense's MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors. But keep an eye on the Bears to add a safety in the draft with Byard and Brisker's futures up-in-the-air.
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Bears 53-man roster projection
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With the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears prioritized improving the offensive and defensive trenches through free agency. General manager Ryan Poles also extended a couple of key defenders in cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Chicago's roster is starting to take shape, but it's far from a finished product with the draft and undrafted free agency still to come. For the most part, the Bears have their starting offense and defense in place (where there are some wild cards), but things could certainly change in the draft.
Before the Bears welcome a new crop of rookies to the roster, here's our latest 53-man roster projection:
Quarterback (3)
- Caleb Williams
- Case Keenum
- Tyson Bagent
There's no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Caleb Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. But Chicago did shake things up at backup quarterback with the signing of Case Keenum, who will serve as a mentor for Williams and compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup job.
Running back (4)
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- D'Andre Swift
- Roschon Johnson
- Travis Homer
- Ian Wheeler
This is a position that is expected to undergo changes during the NFL draft, especially with Ben Johnson now running the show. For now, D'Andre Swift is penciled in as the lead back with Roschon Johnson serving as his backup and short-yardage back. But Chicago is expected to add to their running back room in the draft (perhaps Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton in the first round), which will boot Ian Wheeler out as Travis Homer gets the nod on special teams.
Wide receiver (6)
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- DJ Moore
- Rome Odunze
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Devin Duvernay
- Tyler Scott
- Miles Boykin
DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they'll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. With Keenan Allen out, depth has become the biggest focus. Chicago signed Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency to contend for that WR3 role, and they're probably not done yet with the draft on deck. At this point, Moore, Odunze, Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay feel like the safe bets.
Tight end (3)
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- Cole Kmet
- Durham Smythe
- Stephen Carlson
There's no disputing that Cole Kmet is the top tight end in this offense, but depth has been the biggest struggle in recent years. The Bears signed Durham Smythe, who was previously coached by Ben Johnson in Miami, to serve as a blocking tight end behind Kmet. But it certainly feels like there's another move coming in the draft (perhaps Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland in the first round).
Offensive line (10)
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- Joe Thuney
- Jonah Jackson
- Drew Dalman
- Darnell Wright
- Braxton Jones
- Ryan Bates
- Kiran Amegadjie
- Bill Murray
- Doug Kramer
- Joshua Miles
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, via trade, and Drew Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, unless the Bears find an upgrade at left tackle in the draft. But there will be questions about finding the right depth options, and then there's potential competition for Braxton Jones perhaps coming in the draft.
Edge rusher (4)
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- Montez Sweat
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Austin Booker
- Daniel Hardy
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Montez Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Dayo Odeyingbo, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Austin Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. But Chicago could add another in the draft.
Defensive tackle (5)
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- Grady Jarrett
- Gervon Dexter
- Andrew Billings
- Chris Williams
- Zacch Pickens
Chicago had a solid duo of Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter's play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Grady Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher. Expect to see plenty of Jarrett, Dexter and Billings this season. And it wouldn't be a surprise to see a rookie bump Zacch Pickens out of that roster spot.
Linebacker (5)
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- T.J. Edwards
- Tremaine Edmunds
- Noah Sewell
- Amen Ogbongbemiga
- Swayze Bozeman
There aren't really big changes at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Now, it's up for former fifth-round pick Noah Sewell to step up, along with returning depth piece and special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga.
Cornerback (6)
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- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Terell Smith
- Josh Blackwell
- Nick McCloud
No changes when it comes to cornerback, which is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Jaylon Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Kyler Gordon, who recently signed a contract extension, and Tyrique Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season.
Safety (4)
- Kevin Byard
- Jaquan Brisker
- Jonathan Owens
- Elijah Hicks
Chicago's starting safety duo is set with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense's MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors. But keep an eye on the Bears to add a safety in the draft with Byard and Brisker's futures up-in-the-air.
Specialists
- Cairo Santos
- Tory Taylor
- Scott Daly
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Bears 53-man roster projection
Continue reading...
