Chicago Bears 7-round Mock Draft

Free agency will be critical in shaping the team’s draft strategy. It's a safe assumption that the Bears will make at least one major free agent signing on the offensive line, and I conducted this exercise assuming they sign Trey Smith to a market-topping deal. I also assume they will sign a veteran center like Ryan Kelly or Evan Brown, who has experience with Johnson in Detroit.

So, with the right guard position solidified and a stopgap at center, let's dive into the draft haul.

TRADE

When I was on the clock at 10, all the top talent was gone. Abdul Carter and Mason Graham were taken, so it made sense to trade down a little.

Bears Receive: Round 1 pick 14, Round 3 pick 80, and Round 4 pick 115

Colts Receive: Round 1 pick 10

Round 1 Pick 14: RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

You don't sign Trey Smith unless you plan to run the ball frequently. And if you're planning to run the ball often, you better have a good running back. Jeanty will immediately enter the NFL as one of the top 5-10 backs, providing the Bears with a dynamic force to build their offensive identity. His presence will help keep the offense on track, move the chains, and open the middle of the field for Williams in the passing game.

Round 2 pick 39: LG Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)

Despite adding Smith and a veteran center, the Bears still face a significant void at left guard. That's where Milum comes in—one of the safest picks in the draft. He can step in immediately as a starter and deliver solid, league-average production, with the potential for even more down the line. His strength lies in run blocking, making him a perfect match for the offensive identity the Bears aim to establish.

Round 2 Pick 41: EDGE Jared Ivey (Ole Miss)

The focus cannot only be on the offense. The first defensive pick is a fantastic opportunity for new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who values edge defenders with size. At 6'6" and 283 pounds, Ivey certainly fits that mold. He can establish a strong edge in the run game while contributing to the pass rush, as evidenced by his impressive 90.6 pass-rush grade in 2024, ranking him sixth among draft-eligible edge prospects.

Round 3 Pick 72: DT Jordan Phillips (Maryland)

Some may view this as a reach, but it's very likely that by the time the draft arrives, Phillips will be regarded as a top-50 prospect and a sure bet to be selected within the top 75. As one of the youngest players in the draft, he is just starting to unlock his potential. He offers a reliable rotational option, able to back up Andrew Billings and eventually assume his role.  

Round 3 Pick 80: C Jared Wilson (Georgia)

Even if the Bears sign a center, drafting one still makes sense. Although the center class is not strong, Wilson is the best option with significant upside. Wilson enters the draft as a redshirt sophomore with only one year of starting experience, so patience will be crucial. However, if he has the time to develop, he has the potential to become a reliable starter in the future.

Round 4 Pick 115: DT Darius Alexander (Toledo)

A few years ago, the Bears drafted two defensive tackles, and unfortunately, they find themselves in a similar position again. While Phillips offers insurance at nose tackle, Alexander plays more of a traditional 3-technique. With his quickness off the line, Alexander is a high-upside interior defender capable of injecting some needed burst into the pass rush.

Round 5 Pick 152: TE Jackson Hawes (Georgia Tech)

If the Bears select Ashton Jeanty in the first round, it makes perfect sense to also add the best run-blocking tight end at some point. This offseason should focus on shaping an offensive identity, and Hawes would play a small but crucial role in that. While he’ll always be recognized primarily as a blocker, I believe he also has untapped potential as a receiver.

Round 6 Pick 197: WR Donte Thornton (Tennessee)

Maybe Ben Johnson is the coach who can unlock Tyler Scott, but adding competition is always a wise decision. Thornton may never be a complete receiver, but at 6'5" and with 4.4 speed, he offers a valuable asset to any offense. Think of him as a Marques Valdes-Scantling type who can stretch the field, create opportunities for others, and occasionally catch a long touchdown. His role is clear: to provide a deep threat that opens up the offense. 

Round 7 Pick 235: OL Esa Pole (Washington State)

Pole is a pure upside pick that I like at the end of the draft. He only started playing football four years ago, but in 2024, he finished the season without allowing a sack and achieved an impressive 85.8 pass-block grade. With good size and athleticism, he’s a promising prospect, although he can be a bit stiff, so a move to guard might be in his future.