The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to build upon the foundation established in recent years and solidify their position as a contender in the NFC. General Manager Ryan Poles and a revamped coaching staff, led by new head coach Ben Johnson, approached the draft strategically, aiming to add talent and depth across various positions. With a selection of valuable picks, including multiple in the top 50, the Bears had the opportunity to significantly impact their roster for the upcoming season and beyond.
This article delves into the Chicago Bears’ 2025 draft picks, analyzing each selection and addressing the key areas of interest surrounding their draft strategy.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Round 1, Pick 10
With their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 10th overall selection, the Chicago Bears opted to bolster their offensive weaponry by selecting Colston Loveland, a dynamic tight end from the University of Michigan. This pick addressed a potential long-term need at the tight end position and provided quarterback Caleb Williams with another reliable and athletic target.
Loveland is known for his exceptional pass-catching abilities, fluid route running, and impressive athleticism for his size. He possesses a large catch radius and the versatility to line up both inline and detached, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. His addition is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Bears’ passing game and offer Williams a security blanket in crucial situations. Many analysts viewed Loveland as a high-upside player with the potential to become a premier receiving tight end in the league.
Pick 39 (from Carolina) in Round 2: Luther Burden III, wide receiver, Missouri
Continuing to invest in their offense, the Bears selected Luther Burden III, a versatile wide receiver from the University of Missouri, with the 39th overall pick acquired via a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Burden brings an explosive element to the Bears’ receiving corps, known for his speed, agility, and ability to make plays after the catch.
Burden is a dynamic playmaker who can be utilized in various roles, both in the slot and on the perimeter. His quickness and elusiveness make him a threat on short and intermediate routes, while his speed allows him to stretch the field vertically. Paired with established receivers DJ Moore and 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze, Burden adds another dimension to the Bears’ passing attack and provides offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with exciting options.
Round 2, Pick 41: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Addressing a potential future need along the offensive line, the Bears selected Ozzy Trapilo, an offensive tackle from Boston College, with their second pick in the second round (41st overall). With Braxton Jones entering a contract year, adding a promising young tackle like Trapilo provides valuable depth and potential for a long-term solution at the position.
Trapilo is a physically imposing lineman known for his strength, athleticism, and developing technique. He has experience playing both left and right tackle, offering versatility along the offensive line. While he may require some development, his raw talent and upside make him a valuable addition to the Bears’ offensive line room, providing competition and future potential.
Round 3, Pick 72: Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M
Turning their attention to the defensive side of the ball, the Bears selected Shemar Turner, a defensive lineman from Texas A&M, with the 72nd overall pick in the third round. Turner brings a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility to the Bears’ defensive line, capable of playing both inside and on the edge.
Turner possesses a disruptive skillset with the potential to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His strength and agility allow him to be effective against both the run and the pass. Adding Turner provides much-needed depth and potential to the Bears’ defensive line rotation, complementing established players like Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter.
Round 4, Pick 111 (from Buffalo): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland
Adding depth to their linebacker corps, the Bears selected Ruben Hyppolite II, a linebacker from the University of Maryland, with the 111th overall pick acquired via a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Hyppolite is known for his speed and athleticism, which could make him a valuable contributor on special teams and as a developmental linebacker.
While considered by some analysts to be a slightly higher reach than his projected draft position, Hyppolite’s athleticism and potential for growth likely appealed to the Bears’ coaching staff. He will have the opportunity to compete for a role on special teams and develop his skills within the Bears’ defensive scheme.
Round 6, Pick 183 (from Carolina): Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Looking to bolster their secondary depth, the Bears selected Zah Frazier, a cornerback from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), with the 183rd overall pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers. Frazier possesses intriguing physical traits, including size and speed, offering potential as a developmental cornerback.
Frazier’s raw athleticism and potential for growth in coverage likely made him an attractive late-round prospect for the Bears. He will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the roster and contribute on special teams while honing his skills at the cornerback position.
Round 7, Pick 240 (from Cleveland via Minnesota): Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
With their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 240th overall selection acquired via multiple trades, the Bears added depth to their running back room by selecting Kyle Monangai from Rutgers University. Monangai is a physical runner who enjoyed a productive college career, providing a different style to the Bears’ current running back group.
Monangai’s physicality and downhill running style could make him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations and provide competition in the running back room. As a late-round pick, he will have the opportunity to earn a role on the team through his performance in training camp and on special teams.
FAQs
How many draft picks did the Bears have in the 2024 NFL Draft and who were their top selections?
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears had five draft picks. Their top selections in the first round were quarterback Caleb Williams from USC with the first overall pick (acquired via trade with the Carolina Panthers) and wide receiver Rome Odunze from Washington with the ninth overall pick. These selections were highly anticipated as the Bears aimed to bolster their offense. Their other picks included offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (Round 3, Pick 75), punter Tory Taylor (Round 4, Pick 122), and defensive end Austin Booker (Round 5, Pick 144).
What were considered the biggest needs the Bears addressed in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Bears’ most pressing needs heading into the 2024 draft were quarterback and wide receiver. They emphatically addressed these by selecting Caleb Williams as their potential franchise quarterback with the top pick and adding a talented receiving threat in Rome Odunze at No. 9 to pair with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen (acquired via trade). They also aimed to add depth and potential to their offensive line, which they did with the selection of Kiran Amegadjie. Punter was also a specific need they filled with Tory Taylor.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, what are some potential needs the Bears might address?
While it’s still early, some potential needs for the Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft could include offensive tackle, as Braxton Jones will be entering a contract year. They might also look to add a featured running back to complement D’Andre Swift. Another potential area of focus could be the defensive line, particularly adding a consistent pass-rushing presence to pair with Montez Sweat. Depending on the development of their current young players, they could also look to add depth at cornerback or safety.
How many draft picks do the Bears currently have for the 2025 NFL Draft?
As of late April 2025, the Chicago Bears are projected to have seven draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. These include their own picks in rounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, as well as an additional second-round pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers (as part of the trade in 2023) and an additional seventh-round pick from the Cincinnati Bengals. This gives them significant capital to continue building their roster.
In summary
The Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft can be characterized as a strategic effort to enhance their offensive capabilities while also addressing potential future needs on both sides of the ball. The selections of Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III provide Caleb Williams with exciting new targets, while Ozzy Trapilo adds a promising prospect to the offensive line. Shemar Turner bolsters the defensive front, and the later-round picks offer depth and developmental potential.
While immediate impact remains to be seen, the Bears’ 2025 draft class appears to have added significant talent and addressed key areas for both the present and the future. The focus on providing Caleb Williams with a strong supporting cast suggests a commitment to his development and the team’s offensive potential. As these rookies integrate into the team, their performance will be closely watched by Bears fans eager to see the franchise continue its upward trajectory.
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