Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles enters the 2025 draft in a new position from previous offseasons. He doesn’t need to find as many Day 1 starters.
Thanks to an aggressive March where Poles traded for two starters and signed three more starters in the trenches, Poles has some flexibility.
Chicago is set to select four players in the first three rounds, and the team could add an exciting playmaker like Penn State tight end Tyler Warren or Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 10 pick.
The Bears still need to add depth for their offensive and defensive lines in the first three rounds.
The Chicago Bears are looking at drafting a backup at No. 10
Chicago Bears urged to trade up in 2025 NFL Draft 3 LSU tackle Will Campbell blocking against Texas A&M – Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Courtney Cronin of ESPN is reporting that Chicago is considering drafting a left tackle with the No. 10 pick who would serve as a backup in 2025 but can develop into a long-term starter.
“Yes, Chicago flipped the interior of the offensive line via trades and free agency, but don’t rule out the Bears addressing the O-line at No. 10,” Cronin wrote. “Incumbent starting left tackle Braxton Jones is expected to be limited at the start of training camp while recovering from ankle surgery, and it doesn’t seem likely that Kiran Amegadjie will be without legitimate competition at that spot.
“Using the No. 10 pick on a left tackle fits what general manager Ryan Poles discussed at the league meeting about ‘short-term [versus] long-term thinking.’ Chicago might not need a rookie left tackle to start in 2025, but bringing in competition for now and later is a scenario the Bears are weighing.”
Potential left tackles for the Bears at No. 10 include LSU’s Will Campbell, Missouri’s Armand Membou, and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr.
The Bears need to think about finding a starting-caliber left tackle in the draft. Jones has proven to be a solid starter, but he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Chicago might not want to pay him starting money, especially if they can find a suitable replacement early in April’s draft.
