The dynamics of the 2025 NFL Draft will transform following the Super Bowl and the onset of free agency in March. For teams like the Chicago Bears, however, with specific roster requirements, their focus on early-round targets this February is expected to remain consistent come April.
General Manager Ryan Poles is anticipated to utilize multiple early draft selections on both offensive and defensive linemen this year, even if the team successfully signs Trey Smith in free agency.
The Bears might find themselves with up to four starting positions available on the offensive line. While Smith would represent a substantial improvement at guard, the club’s needs for a center, another guard, and potentially a left tackle cannot all be addressed through free agency.
Chicago Bears: Prioritizing Offensive Line Upgrades
The latest 2025 NFL mock draft from veteran analyst Luke Easterling suggests that Chicago should prioritize Alabama’s Tyler Booker as a plug-and-play guard in the first round.
Easterling acknowledges the unconventional choice: “I know, I know. An interior offensive lineman in the top 10? The Bears will be in no-man’s land if the board falls this way, with no clear-cut prospect on the board who screams ‘top-10 pick.’
So, what’s clearly the biggest need? Helping Caleb Williams as much as possible, as soon as possible, with as many offensive line upgrades as possible. Booker is a polished, high-floor player who will make an instant impact.”
The assessment provided by Easterling resonates, as the Bears’ primary goal must be to protect Caleb Williams effectively in 2025.
In 2024, Williams endured an NFL-high 68 sacks, and while he acknowledges that some were his responsibility, a considerable portion stemmed from a struggling offensive line, particularly in the interior.
With the addition of Booker, the Bears gain traction toward addressing this issue. The 20-year-old, who has started for two years, combines an imposing build with excellent run-blocking skills and a strong anchor against powerful pass rushers.
He fits perfectly with Chicago’s needs and, when paired with Smith, could form the most talented guard duo the franchise has seen in decades.
Expanding Defensive Line Prospects
The Bears’ efforts to strengthen the offensive line don’t end in the first round of Easterling’s mock draft. In the second round, Chicago is projected to select Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery.
Ersery stands out as a compelling left tackle prospect, although some analysts believe he may eventually transition to guard due to certain athletic limitations.
Nevertheless, his physical attributes align with those of an NFL offensive tackle. He would be given the opportunity to demonstrate his potential as a long-term left tackle option for the Bears, even if he finally becomes a reliable (though not exceptional) starter.
At this moment, the Bears could certainly benefit from having several “good” players on their offensive line. While Ersery may not possess elite offensive tackle traits, he could be a prospect with a higher ceiling compared to Braxton Jones.
The next two selections in Easterling’s mock draft move attention to the Bears’ defensive line, featuring Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau at No. 41 all in all and Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins at No. 72.
At one point during his college career, Tuimoloau appeared to be a guaranteed top-10 pick. Although his scouting report may have lost some luster, he still boasts an appealing NFL projection as a versatile three-down edge defender at the professional level.
Kudos are due to Easterling for crafting a mock draft that includes three picks likely to earn a solid ‘A’ grade if this potential 2025 NFL Draft class materializes as envisioned.
