The Chicago Bears are preparing for the 2025 NFL draft, where they have four picks in the Top 75, including the 10th overall selection.
While Chicago is sitting on the edge of the Top 10, there are still a number of top prospects who could very well be on the board when the No. 10 pick rolls around. After general manager Ryan Poles addressed the offensive and defensive lines during free agency, the Bears have flexibility to go “best available” rather than drafting for a specific need.
Depending on how the board falls, there should be some top talent available come No. 10. After having some fun examining our dream options for Chicago, we’re taking a more balanced approach with realistic options at 10th overall.
1. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
It’s no secret that the Bears are interested in Tyler Warren, who head coach Ben Johnson previously praised as a “complete football player.” Add in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen talking about how Warren will give defenses a headache, and it sounds like he’s a real possibility for Chicago at No. 10 — should he make it past the New York Jets at No 7. Warren is one of the top playmakers in this draft, and he would thrive in Ben Johnson’s offense with his ability to line up anywhere and create mismatches. A 1-2 punch of Cole Kmet and Warren would be huge for this offense.
2. Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Chicago shored up their pass rush with the free-agent additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, but that shouldn’t stop them from exploring adding another name to the group. But the question is whether that happens on Day 1. Assuming Jalon Walker is off the board by 10th overall, his Georgia teammate Mykel Williams certainly feels like a realistic option. Last season, Williams totaled 21 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles, but he also revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he wasn’t at full health.
3. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Is No. 10 too early to select Omarion Hampton? Probably. But assuming Ashton Jeanty is off the board — and given Chicago’s interest in Hampton — this wouldn’t exactly be a surprise. Hampton would be a big weapon for Ben Johnson’s offense as part of a 1-2 punch with D’Andre Swift. Last season with the Tarheels, Hampton had a career year with 281 carries for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 38 receptions for 373 yards and two scores. If the Bears believe he can flourish in this offense, this seems like a realistic option.
4. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Bears addressed their offensive line in a big way during free agency as they overhauled the entire interior, but they could look to also upgrade at left tackle. Kelvin Banks Jr. is a pure left tackle, unlike Armand Membou, who would serve as competition for Braxton Jones, who’s coming off a broken ankle and will be limited to start training camp. Banks was a three-year starter at Texas, where he’s pro-ready as a run blocker but will need some work in pass protection. While 10 might be too early for Banks, he could very well be high on Chicago’s board as Ben Johnson wants to continue to shore up the offensive line.
5. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston Loveland certainly feels like the dark-horse candidate for the Bears at 10th overall, especially if Tyler Warren is off the board. While many believe Warren is the top tight end in this class, there are some who believe Loveland is the better option. Despite Michigan’s quarterback struggles last season, Loveland posted career highs in receptions (56) and touchdowns (5) while totaling 582 receiving yards. The Ringer’s Todd McShay said he’s hearing the Bears could consider drafting Loveland should Warren be off the board by No. 10. Not to mention, Loveland might actually be a better complement to Cole Kmet than Warren.
BONUS: Trade back
If the Bears’ top options are off the board by the time they’re on the clock at No. 10 — and quarterback Shedeur Sanders is still there — Chicago could look to trade back in the first round. Not only would they still land a talented contributor in the first round (Kenneth Grant, Mike Green, Josh Simmons and Derrick Harmon are all options), but they would rack up additional draft capital to bring in more contributors.
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