Yahoo Sports 2025 NFL draft: Bears first-round pick finalized
The Chicago Bears' 2024 season has finally come to a close after a brutal stretch where they lost 10 straight games after a promising 4-2 start. But the Bears ended things on a high note with a 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers, which ended their losing streak and subsequent 11-game losing skid against the Packers.
Now, the attention shifts to a busy and crucial offseason, which starts with hiring a new head coach to lead this team to victory behind quarterback Caleb Williams and some promising talent on the roster, along with some important decisions from general manager Ryan Poles in free agency and the 2025 NFL draft.
With the regular season in the books, Chicago's first-round pick has been finalized, along with their pair of second rounders. How did Sunday's win impact the Bears' draft stock?
Where the Bears will be picking in the first round
The Bears will be selecting 10th overall in the 2025 NFL draft, putting them in a prime position to land a top prospect at a position of need. Chicago would've been picking eighth overall had they lost to the Packers. But that win dropped them below the Carolina Panthers (No. 8) and New Orleans Saints (No. 9).
Other draft picks
The Bears will have three picks in the top 42 and four selections in the top 72 in the 2025 NFL draft. Chicago owns the Panthers' second-round selection (No. 42) -- the final piece of the puzzle in the trade with the Panthers for the No. 1 pick back in 2023. The Bears' own second-round selection is No. 41.
Other current draft picks (some to be determined): No. 146, No. 197 (from Steelers), No. 233 (from Bengals) and No. 246 (from Vikings).
Top position needs
Offensive line
Edge rusher
Safety
The Bears have a number of needs that need to be addressed this offseason, most notably in the trenches. That starts along the offensive line, where right tackle Darnell Wright is the only player guaranteed back on the starting unit. Braxton Jones will be back, but Chicago could find an upgrade. Still, the entire interior of the offensive line needs to be replaced, unless the Bears opt to bring back left guard Teven Jenkins on a one-year prove-it deal.
Chicago has struggled to get after the quarterback, even with stud Montez Sweat on the roster. The Bears need to find a complement opposite him to really elevate a pass rush that has been stagnant since Khalil Mack was traded when Ryan Poles took over.
Elsewhere, there are questions about Jaquan Brisker's health after he suffered his third concussion in as many seasons back in Week 5 -- and he didn't play for the remainder of the season. Kevin Byard is under contract for another year, but that's a position that'll need to be looked at.
What’s next for Bears?
The Bears' offseason will begin with their head coach search, which starts as early as Jan. 6, when Chicago can begin requesting interviews with coaches on current NFL teams and interview them three days after the conclusion of the regular season. Virtual interviews will need to happen before the end of the divisional round games (Jan. 19). For any candidates whose tam has a bye in the first round of the playoffs, the Bears can conduct virtual interviews three days after the regular season finale through the end of the wild-card round of games (Jan. 16).
Chicago will have several key free agents that they'll have to make a decision on, including receiver Keenan Allen, left guard Teven Jenkins, long snapper Patrick Scales and linebacker Jack Sanborn. The 2025 free agency negotiation window begins March 10, with free agency officially opening two days later on March 12.
The Bears are guaranteed a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft (final order to be determined), where they'll likely be targeting an offensive or defensive lineman. Chicago will begin their offseason program on April 7, as they'll have a new head coach in place. Other key dates include: Pro Bowl Games (Feb. 2), NFL Scouting Combine (Feb. 24 – March 3) and rookie minicamp (May 2-5, May 9-12).
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Bears first-round pick finalized
