Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Scout has stunning Chicago Bears NFL Draft prediction

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 10:19 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are well-positioned to add an immediate starter and key contributor in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, which starts April 24 in Green Bay.

Slated to pick No. 10 overall, on the heels of one of the more disappointing draft classes across the league in 2024, general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears have some pressure to add marquee playmakers across the roster throughout this year’s draft.

After fortifying both lines of scrimmage earlier this offseason thanks to the arrivals of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo on the defensive line and Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson along the offensive line, Poles and Chicago have set the stage to be able to select the best player available in each round.

How NFL scout believes the Chicago Bears will approach the NFL Draft

ESPN’s Matt Miller spoke to anonymous NFL scouts to get their thoughts on how the top 10 picks of the NFL Draft will play out, including a scout surprisingly linking the Bears to Michigan cornerback Will Johnson at No. 10 overall.

“I believe in using a top-10 pick on premium positions,” the scout told Miller. “Quarterback, left tackle, pass-rusher or cornerback. Johnson’s tape the last two years is of an elite cornerback.”

While Johnson is certainly one of the premier cornerbacks in this class, it’s worth questioning if cornerback is as pressing a need for the Bears as edge-rusher linebacker, tight end or running back are at this stage of the rebuild. There’s even an argument that one of the top wide receivers or offensive tackles could be in play before taking a cornerback.

However, Johnson pulled down two interceptions last season while holding opposing quarterbacks to a pedestrian 52.6 passer rating when throwing his direction.

If Johnson is the best player on the board, and Poles believes that adding a cornerback would elevate a defense that’s tasked with slowing the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams twice each season, taking one of the top cornerbacks could be in play.

How cornerback and Johnson fit Chicago’s hierarchy of needs, though, won’t be revealed until the Bears send their pick in.