The 2025 Scouting Combine will kick off today and continue on throughout the majority of the week.
This event has become a major process for the entire league in which all 32 coaches will speak for the first time since the season ended, and of course marking a major step in the evaluation process for the top prospects in the class.
The Chicago Bears will be locked in on the offensive and defensive line throughout the week, with upgrades desperately needed on both fronts. Last week, we broke down some of the top offensive lineman to focus on during the week. But here are five top non-OL prospects to keep an eye on as well.
DE James Pearce Jr.
This could be a critical week for Tennessee pass rusher James Pearce Jr. based on recent trends. NFL Media expert Daniel Jeremiah shocking left Pearce completely out of his first 32 selections in his latest mock draft and opened a lot of eyes by doing so.
Many are now leaking out that scouts and executives are heavily calling his weight and work ethic into question. At one time, Pearce was viewed as one of the top players in this class, but now more and more experts are latching onto the idea that he might fall out of the first-round.
As a pass rushing talent, Pearce was unbelievable in college and if those questions don't get answered correctly this week, and a tumble occurs, the Bears should make note and have him atop their board on Day 2. Even if he clears those concerns, he should 100% be in consideration at 10 as well.
DE Princely Umanmielen
This is a player I've started to fall in love with for the Bears with one of their second-round picks. Pairing Princely Umanmielen back up with Gervon Dexter Sr. and lining him up across from Montez Sweat would be huge for the defensive front.
Umanmielen's versatility makes him a top target for multiple teams either late in the first-round or early in the second-round.
Stylistically, there's no better player to replace the role on defense that opened after releasing DeMarcus Walker last week. Umanmielen has his own concerns to answer for, but the guy's confidence is next level and he should command the podium.
WR Jaylin Noel
Outside of the offensive and defensive fronts, the next biggest need on the roster will be at the wide receiver position, most importantly how the Bears plan to replace Keenan Allen in the offense.
The Bears could easily use DJ Moore as the new "power-slot" in Ben Johnson's offense, in which case you would be looking at adding another outside option opposite Rome Odunze. But, after watching Jaylin Noel, I've been impressed.
His footwork off the line of scrimmage and ability to manipulate routes is eerily similar to Keenan Allen, albeit at a much smaller size. Noel also has some intriguing YAC ability that can create more explosive plays for the Bears out of the slot.
RB Kaleb Johnson
At the running back position, everyone seems to be in favor of drafting Kaleb Johnson and his fit in Ben Johnson's offense alongside D'Andre Swift. And it's easy to see why.
Johnson has a sturdy build and is patient and tough as a runner. He doesn't have the explosiveness, top-end speed, and receiving ability other teams would prefer, but the Bears already have a guy who excels at those things in Swift.
If Johnson wants to replicate the backfield he had in Detroit with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Johnson looks like the best chance of finding his new Knuckles.
DT Deone Walker
One more prospect on the defensive front, but this time on the interior. Keep an eye on Kentucky's Deone Walker this week, and he's not going to be a hard man to miss.
Walker's pre-combine measurements were listed at 6'7, 344 pounds. He's a freak given his size and an incredible run defender, while still growing into his own as a pass rusher. Everyone will be locked on to his guy's official numbers but also how he moves throughout the drills given his enormous frame.
After Ben Johnson was hired, he noted how different the Bears' defense looked after losing defensive tackle Andrew Billings and not being able to replace him. Walker is someone who could, but would also benefit learning behind Big Bill in 2025.
