The Chicago Bears turned some heads with the heavy presence they brought to Michigan's pro day last week in anticipation of the 2025 NFL draft next month.
On March 21, the Bears had both new head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in Ann Arbor to watch the Wolverines' workouts. The school even featured the Bears coaches in a video they shared on social media.
In other words, they had a front-row seat to defensive tackle Mason Graham, a top defensive prospect and potential trade-up target for the Bears in Round 1.
Graham served as one of the headliners for Michigan's annual scouting event alongside other potential first-round picks in cornerback Will Johnson, fellow defensive lineman Kenneth Grant and tight end Colston Loveland.
While the other prospects have their merits, though, Graham's reputation as a disruptive three-technique might suit the Bears' needs best for next season.
Graham - a 2024 All-American - has dominated for the Wolverines' defensive interior over the past three seasons, demonstrating great strength and leverage against one-on-one matchups. According to Pro Football Focus, he is also the third-highest-graded player to come out of Michigan since the site's inception.
A game-wrecking force like him would be dangerous in the Bears' new defense, which Allen said will take an "aggressive, attacking style" to rushing the passer.
The big question about Graham is not his talent but rather whether the Bears will even have a shot at drafting him at No. 10 overall in the first round.
Mason Graham is one of the best to ever come out of Michigan pic.twitter.com/NGWiinAGDP
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 19, 2025
The majority of NFL mock drafts project Graham will come off the board in the first 10 picks, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have become the favorites to take him at No. 5 overall with a clear need to shore up the middle of their line.
The Bears may accept Graham's high demand and focus on targeting the best available player with the 10th pick; however, that all depends on their impression of him when they finally reach the first night of the draft on April 24.
Should the Bears decide Graham is too good to pass up, they have the assets to trade up for him with two early second-rounders (Nos. 39 and 41) in their hands.
The Bears still have the better part of the next month to figure out where Graham fits into their priorities but don't be surprised if they follow up their pro-day interest with an invitation for an official top-30 visit to Halas Hall.
