Advertisement

Bears 7-round 2025 mock draft: Chicago loads up on offense for Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears have found their new head coach in Ben Johnson, who spent the past three seasons leading a top-five Detroit Lions offense. It's a move that's been met with praise from fans and analysts.

Johnson is a home-run hire for the Bears, but general manager Ryan Poles has plenty of work to do with this roster, between free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, to elevate this team. But it helps that Chicago has the resource to do just that with the fifth-most salary cap space and four picks in the Top 75 of the NFL draft.

With the arrival of Johnson, we thought it would be the perfect time to unveil our new seven-round mock draft (using PFF's draft simulator) where we try to improve the Bears' roster at several positions of need, including a shocking move in the first round.

Round 1, Pick 10: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

This might seem like a bold pick considering the Bears' multiple needs along the offensive line, but Ashton Jeanty might just be worth that top-10 pick -- not unlike Jahmyr Gibbs, who was instrumental in the Detroit Lions' success on offense. Jeanty was one of college football's biggest playmakers this season, and he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, just behind Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per carry, and 29 touchdowns. He added 23 receptions for 138 yards and a score. Jeanty would be the perfect addition for this Ben Johnson-led offense.

Round 2, Pick 39: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Landon Jackson sacks Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Landon Jackson sacks Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock during the fourth quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

The Bears need to address the pass rush this offseason, and they'll have several options on Day 2. Landon Jackson would be a nice complement opposite Montez Sweat, which would elevate a pass rush that was middle tier at best last season. Last season with the Razorbacks, Jackson totaled 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Round 2, Pick 41: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery (69) celebrates quarterback Max Brosmer's (16) touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery (69) celebrates quarterback Max Brosmer's (16) touchdown against the USC Trojans during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

I expect the Bears to address the offensive line in free agency, where there are some notable names at tackle and the interior, but there are also some intriguing prospects in this draft class, including Aireontae Ersery, who could develop into a franchise left tackle. While Braxton Jones has been solid at left tackle for the past three seasons, he's felt more like a bridge player. If Ersery fell to Chicago, he could be a solid option to develop into a franchise player at one of the most important positions.

Round 3, Pick 72: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Tyler Booker #52 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lines up to block against Nazir Stackhouse #78 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Tyler Booker #52 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lines up to block against Nazir Stackhouse #78 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Bears have multiple positions to address along the offensive line, including along the interior. Teven Jenkins is likely gone in free agency, which means there are two guard positions to fill. While Chicago can find one in free agency, Tyler Booker would be an immediate contributor along the interior. Pass protection is key for Caleb Williams, and Booker has allowed just one sack in his three-year career.

Round 5, Pick 148: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska

Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9), linebacker Luke Reimer (4), and defensive back Isaac Gifford (2) celebrate after recovering a fumble against the Maryland Terrapins during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Ty Robinson (9), linebacker Luke Reimer (4), and defensive back Isaac Gifford (2) celebrate after recovering a fumble against the Maryland Terrapins during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears will look to shore up their defensive line outside of just edge rusher, and adding depth behind Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings would be key. Ty Robinson, who's coming off a career year with Nebraska, is a versatile defensive lineman who can line up off the edge but has the power to thrive at defensive tackle. He started all 13 games as a senior, where he totaled 37 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks -- all career highs -- with four pass breakups, one blocked field goal and one safety.

Round 6, Pick 196: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

Oct 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kaden Prather (1) celebrates the touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kaden Prather (1) celebrates the touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

While Keenan Allen left the door open for a return to Chicago, it feels like he won't be back in 2025. The Bears have a dynamic duo at receiver with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, but they still need to add some quality receivers behind them. The Bears could take a flier on Kaden Prather, who's a reliable pass catcher and vertical threat that could contribute to Ben Johnson's offense.

Round 7, Pick 234: Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah

Sep 14, 2024; Logan, Utah, USA; Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) celebrates after converting a two-point try in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Logan, Utah, USA; Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) celebrates after converting a two-point try in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The Bears have their go-to tight end in Cole Kmet, who's coming off a down year. But he remains a viable option in the passing game for Chicago and figures to be a focal point as Ben Johnson builds this offense. Now, it's about finding a complement to him at tight end because Gerald Everett has proven to not be the answer. There will be options for Chicago on Day 3, including Utah's Brant Kuithe, who was a weapon in the passing game, especially after the catch, with the Utes.

Round 7, Pick 241: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs center Jared Wilson (55) in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs center Jared Wilson (55) in the second quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Patzke-Imagn Images

There are holes across the offensive line -- from starters to depth -- and the Bears need to address center in a big way. Coleman Shelton isn't the answer, and Chicago will likely address the position in free agency and/or the draft. The Bears could snag a developmental prospect to pair with a veteran in free agency, in this case Jared Wilson, who's rather inexperienced as a one-year starter and would benefit from developing behind a veteran.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago loads up on offense for Ben Johnson