Predicting the top 10 of this 2025 NFL draft has proven more difficult than usual because of the overall lack of quarterback talent compared to previous years. Everybody knows Cam Ward is going #1 overall to the Tennessee Titans. From there, things get foggy. Shedeur Sanders is considered the second quarterback in this class, but recent smoke indicates his stock is tumbling. It’s gone from him landing at #2 in Cleveland or #3 in New York to maybe falling out of the top 10 entirely. This could prove problematic for the Chicago Bears.
Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron has spent the past several days contacting people around the league to get a picture of how the picks could fall ahead of the Bears. From what he’s gathered, the first six picks are easy.
- Titans – Cam Ward
- Browns – Travis Hunter
- Giants – Abdul Carter
- Patriots – Will Campbell
- Jaguars – Mason Graham
- Raiders – Ashton Jeanty
However, things could get hairy from there. Zimmerman believes two teams will determine how favorable the Bears’ luck will be in two weeks. The first is the New York Jets at #7, and the other is the New Orleans Saints at #9. Each is for a different reason.
The Chicago Bears need some kind of unexpected twist to happen.
That would involve one of the teams in the first nine picks taking a player nobody sees coming. For example, the Raiders could opt to go with Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. They need secondary help, and he fits Pete Carroll’s desired profile. There is always the chance Walter Nolen, who many consider a more talented defensive tackle than Graham, could sneak in there. Maybe the Saints end up taking Sanders at #9 since it looks like they’re eventually going to part ways with Derek Carr after this season.
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If things play out as Zimmerman fears, the Chicago Bears are faced with some tough options. They could take Johnson, even though they don’t need cornerback help. He’d simply be the best player on the board. If not, it boils down to either trading down or taking what many see as the second option at multiple positions.
- Tight end: Colston Loveland
- Edge rusher: Mykel Williams
- Defensive tackle: Walter Nolen
- Running back: Omarion Hampton
Unless somebody wants to come up for Sanders, those four names feel like the ones to watch. Ideal? No. Yet that is how the draft works sometimes. The Bears must be prepared for this eventuality.
