2025 NFL draft: 10 players the Bears should consider from championship weekend

The 2024 College Football regular season came to an end last weekend with Championship Saturday, which determined the conference champions. It would also play a key role in helping the College Football Playoff Selection Committee determine who would be the 12 teams in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff. It lived up to the hype.

For the Chicago Bears, they are mostly likely going to have a top-10 pick (currently sitting at ninth overall), two second-round picks, and many other selections throughout the 2025 NFL draft.

These are 10 players that they should consider who played in games last Championship Saturday.

1. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

Penn State had a tough loss to Oregon on Championship Saturday, but they are in a good spot when it comes to the College Football Playoff. One player for the Bears to look at from this squad is Abdul Carter. Carter is an edge rusher, which is something the Bears need for their defense. With Montez Sweat on one side, Carter would be a great complement opposite him.

2. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The only thing the Bears need to address just as much (if not more) as their pass rush is their offensive line. Texas, the SEC runner-up, has offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who is likely to be a first-round pick. For the Bears, he'd look great protecting Caleb Williams.

3. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The team that beat Texas in the SEC Championship, Georgia, is going to pump out a lot of NFL players in the 2025 NFL draft. Chicago's secondary could use some help as well so Georgia safety Malaki Starks could be an option to consider. Is safety their biggest need? Not necessarily. But if Starks is the best player on the board, he is someone to consider.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB , Boise State

The Bears have a good running back in D'Andre Swift. Is Roschon Johnson going to be a starter one day? It is hard to see. Would the Bears draft a running back with all of the other needs that they have? Maybe not early, but at the right spot, they might consider it. Boise State's Aston Jeanty is someone to consider if he falls to the second round or later. The Boise State running back played a key role in all of the success that they've had this season offensively.

5. Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Another edge rusher to consider in this draft is Georgia's Jalon Walker, who would be an impactful contributor opposite Sweat at a big position of need. Walker would come to the Bears and immediately be one of their most impactful players on defense.

6. Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are going to be the No. 1 and 2 receivers on this team for a long time. However, having a good third is important in the NFL. The Bears probably won't be re-signing Keenan Allen this offseason, so there will be opportunities to add an impactful No. 3. Texas wideout Isaiah Bond might be someone to consider a little bit later. He has shown in college that he can make big plays and would be an asset for Williams in the passing game.

7. Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

The Bears have several needs along the offensive line, so it'll no doubt be a focal position. Another Texas tackle to consider is Cameron Williams, who would help shore up pass protection for Williams at the team's biggest position of need.

8. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

Sticking in the trenches, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is a name to consider heading into the draft process. Gervon Dexter has been solid, but depth remains a big concern along the defensive interior, and Harmon's addition would be a solid pickup for Chicago.

9. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Let's get back to the offensive line, where Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr. would be a solid option for the Bears. Conerly has high upside, which is something the Bears desperately need at their biggest position of need.

10. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

Clemson somewhat surprised the world and ended up winning the ACC. Now, they will play in the College Football Playoff. Some of their players are looking to play in the NFL soon, and that includes Barrett Carter, who could be someone the Bears consider at some point in the draft. Chicago has had mediocre play at linebacker this season despite coming in thinking it could be a strength of the team. Adding someone like Carter could work out for them.

The 2025 NFL draft is going to be an important one for the Bears. They won't have the number one overall pick but they need to get help in other areas of the game. If they hire a good head coach, they may finally turn the corner as an organization.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL draft: Players the Bears should consider from championship weekend