2025 Senior Bowl: Players the Bears should monitor ahead of the Draft

The 2025 Senior Bowl is underway this week, where the nation's top college football seniors will be on display for all 32 teams ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears have plenty of draft capital this year -- which includes a top-10 pick, an additional second rounder and four picks in the Top 75 -- and an event like the Senior Bowl serves as a great opportunity for the team to load up on their needs, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines.

Needing to address the protection of quarterback Caleb Williams while also having to prioritize their pass rush, the Bears should be fully focused on using the draft to upgrade their roster in the trenches. Taking care of their two biggest needs won't just all happen in the draft, and because of that, there could be an opportunity to hit on some playmakers at the skill positions that would be more of fulfilling a want rather than a need.

Here's a look at the players to watch, with the Bears in mind, at the Senior Bowl.

1. Deone Walker , DT, Kentucky

A great combination of both size and athleticism, Walker would be a great addition to the interior defensive line if the Bears choose to wait until the second around to address it. His 6'6" and 345-pound frame would bring the size the team needs on the interior and would build a nice trio with Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. Projected to be selected within the Top 50-75 range, Walker could see his stock rise this week.

2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Second in the nation this past season in sacks with 16.5, Ezeiruaku has all the makings of a third to fourth round selection steal for the Bears. His ability to get to the quarterback can't be overstated, and at 6'2" and 247 pounds, Ezeiruaku has the physical build to be fast off the line of scrimmage and powerful enough to make his presence felt.

3. Greg Zabel, OG/C, North Dakota State

A name that is more than certain to rise up draft boards, Zabel would be a great fit for the Bears that need to address their interior offensive line. It is more likely than not that Chicago will have to address both guard positions, as well as the center position, and with a standout performance, Zabel could be worth the look in either the third or fifth round if he falls there.

4. Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia

Once again, an area of need is the interior offensive line and Milum is good enough to be worth the look, but not great enough to feel like Chicago would miss out on him if his draft stock rises. Milum will have to excel in pass protection drills throughout the week to raise his draft stock. But the caution here is, if he doesn't do well in pass protection, the Bears should pass up giving him a look. Identifying pass protection is key during the Senior Bowl.

5. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

A big season this past year at Ole Miss saw Amos grab three interceptions with 13 pass deflections, and while the secondary isn't a pressing need, he'd be a great addition to a defense known for their playmaking ability. Amos would provide insurance and depth to the cornerback position that could be in need depending on the performance of Tyrique Stevenson, who struggled both on the field with his play and his mental lapses, as well. Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson are the team's top corners, but Amos would be a fun boost to the group.

6. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

The Bears desperately need to upgrade their tight end group, even though it's not the biggest area of concern for the team. Behind Cole Kmet, the team tried to get by with veterans Marcedes Lewis and Gerald Everett and neither of them did anything worth value in the 2024 season. Fannin Jr. is a popular name through Senior Bowl week, so it's unlikely he would be there in the later stages of the draft. But he's the type of pass-catching threat that would mix well with Kmet at the tight end position.

7. Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the cream of the crop at the wide receiver position. But there are question marks about depth behind them, especially if Keenan Allen doesn't return. White was the 2024 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year after having four blocked punts and would be an ace to add to the Bears special teams and wide receiver room. Tyler Scott did well filling in for DeAndre Carter as a returner, but with Ben Johnson in town, White would be a fun player to watch in this system.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2025 Senior Bowl: Players the Bears should monitor ahead of the Draft