For the first time in ages, the Chicago Bears are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft without any pressing needs. If General Manager Ryan Poles and company want to take the best-player-available (BPA) route, it won’t be the worst idea in the world. In this Bears mock draft (without trades), let’s take a look at some under-the-radar prospects who may end up in a Bears’ uniform next season.

Full 7-Round Chicago Bears Mock Draft Without Trades

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

If the Bears want to draft one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, it’s Ashton Jeanty. Despite this year’s running back class being one of the stronger ones in recent memory, Jeanty stands above the rest with his unreal contact balance and vision.

There’s no doubt the Bears will draft a running back, the bigger question is when. If Jeanty is there for the taking, Ben Johnson will surely pound the table for the Bears to draft him. The Bears running back room left a lot to be desired last season and struggled to break tackles. Jeanty will change that, especially with an improved offensive line in Chicago.

Round 2, Pick 39: OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

No doubt about the Bears being serious when it comes to investing in the offensive line. With trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as signing highly-coveted free agent center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal, all that’s left for the Bears to address is depth.

Jonah Savaiinaea would be an ideal fit, given his experience at both guard and tackle. His powerful hands and upper-body strength allow him to neutralize defenders with ease. Adding him to the offensive front would be a dream scenario for Caleb Williams.

Jonah Savaiinaea talks about playing inside or out and shouts out #Bears great @olin_kreutz https://t.co/oYwf3LBS6p pic.twitter.com/eDfSyqtrvE

— Barroom Net | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) March 2, 2025

Round 2, Pick 41: DE J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

The sense is that newly-hired defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is looking to add a bigger edge rusher during the draft. J.T. Tuimoloau fits that mold at 6’4″ and 265 pounds. A disciplined run defender, Tuimoloau excels at setting the edge but lacks elite explosiveness and flexibility to chase down faster players.

He would be a perfect developmental piece behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, with the potential to grow into a long-term starter.

I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run.

Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. pic.twitter.com/2zDCXf0X3Z

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025

Round 3, Pick 72: S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State

The Bears have two very capable starters at safety in Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. However, Byard (31) is entering the last year of his contract, and Brisker has dealt with multiple concussions.

Chicago could look to continue its trend of drafting Penn State safeties by selecting Kevin Winston Jr. A highly productive tackler, Winston Jr. flies downhill with speed and power. If not for injuries, he might have been in first-round discussions.

Kevin Winston Jr. is the best run support safety in the 2025 NFL Draft.

He has as many career forced fumbles as he does missed tackles (2) and has incredible instincts, rarely getting caught off guard.

He only has 694 career snaps, a major question mark.

Top 75 player, imo. pic.twitter.com/r8P2CK5pfK

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 20, 2025

Round 5, Pick 148: TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

After Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, the tight end rankings become murky. However, Terrance Ferguson has been gaining traction, particularly after a strong showing at the NFL Combine.

Ferguson averaged 9.0 yards after the catch per reception last season—the second-highest mark among all FBS tight ends. His natural route running and elite athletic testing (4.63 40-yard dash, 39” vertical jump, 1.55 10-yard split) make him an intriguing prospect. If he improves his ability to separate, he has the potential to develop into a top-tier NFL tight end.

Terrance Ferguson is a Top-5 TE in this class for me, with a Day 2 grade.

Great frame with very nice athleticism, he can play in multiple alignments, a very willing and talented blocker, and has very nice production within the passing game.pic.twitter.com/czGXtp8IUT

— Andy (@CUandyy) March 4, 2025

Round 7, Pick 233: LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

Nick Martin has elite closing speed and natural instincts as a linebacker. While undersized, he moves fluidly and has a knack for making plays.

If he could work on his coverage and tackling skills, Martin could have a solid career in the NFL. With the Bears, it’s the perfect place to develop behind T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. Martin won’t be thrown to the wolves early in his career and could develop into a solid playmaker for the Bears.

Round 7, Pick 240: DT Thor Griffith, Louisville

Besides the cool name, Thor Griffith might be one of the most underrated prospects in this year’s draft class. At 6’2″, 320 pounds, he possesses impressive explosiveness off the snap and is a stout run defender with solid pass-rushing ability.

Although he hasn’t faced top-tier competition, his high football IQ could help him stick in the league. Pairing him with Andrew Billings, Grady Jarrett, and Gervon Dexter Sr. would create nightmares for opposing offenses.

Main Image: Brett Davis – USA Today Sports

The post Full 7-Round Chicago Bears Mock Draft Without Trades appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Chicago Bears are bringing free agent Mecole Hardman for a visit this week but he should receive interest from more teams. According to reports, the Bears are looking for a new wideout for Caleb Williams’ offense, and to no surprise former wide receiver, Keenan Allen will likely leave for a new team as he’s also still available on the market. Hardman isn’t the best available wideout but he’s a journeyman that’s only dependable as a depth fill for any offense looking for additional help in the aerial attack. After signing Olamide Zaccheaus, the Bears are solidifying the passing game as the team is far from over of adding talent to ensure Williams has the tools to lead Chicago, especially since establishing a new offensive line.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Hardman left for the New York Jets in 2023 before the Chiefs decided to trade for him that same year to improve the passing game for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hardman was a reliable playmaker in the postseason despite having a rough regular season so it seems like he was always the temporary weapon for the Chiefs. However, he made great strides in catching the game-winning touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers known as the “Super Bowl Hero” during that season. Hardman won’t earn a starting opportunity but he’s worthy to take a look at from the Chargers, Ravens this offseason.

Chargers, Ravens Could Disrupt Bears Free Agent Mecole Hardman Visit

More Help for Justin Herbert

The 2024 season came to an early end because the team didn’t have enough capable offensive weapons to win on the big stage. It’s time for the Chargers to get as much talent for quarterback Justin Herbert while he’s thriving in the pocket but after just adding Mike Williams, it seems like the team is taking the cheap route again. Despite the team having enough cap space to compensate the best receiver in free agency, there hasn’t been any word on anything other than attempting to trade for DK Metcalf who eventually went to join the Steelers.

Mecole Hardman might not be another explosive weapon on the market but it gives Herbert the liberty to throw around the football more than they would like. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey was the only set of reliable hands as Quentin Johnston has yet to prove he’s dependable. The team lost Joshua Palmer but Williams and Hardman with their size could give Herbert a capable offense to throw in the deep routes. Hardman might not be a superstar but he could fight for the third spot behind Williams and McConkey.

Additional Baltimore Firepower

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are shaping up for what could be a promising 2025 season this year. After signing DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year deal, Lamar Jackson finally has help from a capable receiver other than Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Diontae Johnson experience didn’t work out and they’re holding their breath this isn’t the case as they’re confident Hopkins fits into their scheme.

While that happens, they need another replacement for Nelson Agholor since he probably won’t return as he’s still a free agent. Hardman won’t be any different but it gives Jackson a rotational pass catcher in the aerial attack.

The post Chargers, Ravens Could Disrupt Bears Free Agent Visit appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Chicago Bears first-round pick has to be a home run. The Bears must hit on that pick to keep themselves headed in the right direction.

The first week of NFL free agency has seen its dust settle. The Chicago Bears made some great moves to start the free agency period. They traded for two guards, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and brought in two defensive linemen, Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. They also signed Drew Dalman, a center, to help solidify the offensive line.

However, the Bears aren’t quite done yet. They have the 2025 NFL Draft to look forward to. With their free agent signings, they now can be much more flexible with what they do in the draft. There isn’t a rush to get a player at a specific position of need (even though that’s never out of the question). Chicago can be a little bit choosier with the choices they make.

But they can’t be careless with their pick.

A Peek at the Chicago Bears First-Round Pick Possibilities

The first week of the 2025 NFL Free Agency Period has concluded. What could the Chicago Bears do at number one in the draft now?

Trading Down

One scenario that seems to fit the Bears well is for them to find a willing trade partner to trade down in the first round and get additional picks. For the value and knowing what we now know following the first week of free agency, this might just be the best way for the Bears to go.

Getting additional picks would be a huge benefit to the Bears. They can grab a lot of great young talent that can help them in the future.

Still, if the Bears want to win now, and of course they do, they may want to choose some talent in the first round of the draft at the tenth spot and get that player on the field immediately.

Keep the First-Round Pick: Offense

There are some great options at number ten in the 2025 NFL Draft. There have been a few names thrown around as to who the Bears should take.

Ashton Jeanty, the powerful running back from Boise State, is someone that the Bears could target. Some people have mentioned that the Bears might be interested in a tight end, such as Penn State’s Tyler Warren. But the tenth pick overall is just a little bit too soon to take him and with Cole Kmet on the roster, the Bears don’t need a flashy tight end in the first round.

An offensive tackle would make a lot of sense at number ten and there are some good ones that would be worth taking. Guys like Will Campbell and even Armand Membou would be worthy of being picked at this point. They could step in, start out of the gate, and solidify the Bears’ offensive line.

Keep the First-Round Pick: Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, it’s highly unlikely that guys like Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham will be there when the Bears pick. If one of them were to fall to ten, Chicago would have little choice other than to take them and make their defense a stellar one.

There are some other defensive players who might be available when Chicago makes their pick. Any of the guys rated around the tenth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, guys like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., and edge rusher or Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart would be good picks for the Bears.

Best Player Available

The best player available approach is always a good one. When you are in the kind of situation that the Bears are in, they just might be able to pull it off. They could pick a player, no matter what the position is, and have them start right away.

Of course, they can skip the quarterback position. Any other position is pretty much open game in the first round.

Other Needs

The Bears are a team that is headed in the right direction. That’s clear. They have built up the trenches and need to add just a piece or two more there.
They might want to add to the linebacker corps a bit too, especially if they are going to a 4-3 defense. Depth in the secondary is a must as well, especially with Jaquan Brisker a wildcard when it comes to concussions.

The Bears are seldom, if ever, in a position where they can be a little flexible with things. They are always losing and in a rebuilding state. This year, even though they are still in a position to rebuild, they do have some flexibility.  However, they still need to make the right decision in this year’s NFL Draft.

Main Photo: Joe Rondone – Imagn Images

The post A Peek at the Chicago Bears First-Round Pick Possibilities appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Chicago Bears are undergoing some serious rebuilding right now and have a lot of work left to do as they look towards the NFL Draft. Free agency is here, and things have happened that will change the Bears’ draft plans. The team improved the offensive line in free agency and even took care of some needs on the defensive line.

The Chicago Bears have two picks in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft: 39th overall and 41st overall. Those picks are high enough that the Bears could take a couple of guys who could start right out of the gate or get a couple of players who aren’t that far behind in their capability to become starters.

What The Chicago Bears Could Do In the Second Round of the NFL Draft

Free Agent Findings

With Chicago doing some work on their offensive line through trades and free agency, they have a little less worry there – at least for now. This might mean they will concentrate on their need for a solid interior defensive line player or an edge rusher. These two positions are stacked in this year’s draft and the Bears might find some gems at both.

This is despite the fact they grabbed an edge and an interior lineman in free agency.

The team could also use one of these selections on a running back. This is a draft piled high with talent at the running back position. That spot is growing into a position of need for the Bears.

There is a myriad of ways that the Bears could use these two picks. But what would be the wisest way for them to go about spending them? One must first look at which way the Chicago Bears will go in the first round of the draft. It was thought that they could look at taking an offensive lineman with that tenth overall pick. However, it’s looking more and more like a defensive tackle or edge rusher, or perhaps even a running back might be taken. A guy like Ashton Jeanty could easily fall to the Bears in the first round.

But who could fall to the Bears in the second round of this year’s draft? The Bears made some moves in free agency that make what they might do in the draft a bit cloudier. They have signed a couple of defensive linemen who will make an immediate impact. Grabbing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo will certainly beef up the defensive line.

Options in the Draft

The Bears have many more options with their two second-round picks. They could get some playmakers, particularly at the running back position or a tight end to help complement Cole Kmet. Some of the potential talent available at this point includes Iowa tandem Kaleb Johnson, at running back, and Luke Lachey at tight end. The Bears might also be interested in Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson at tight end or even Arizona State phenom Cam Skattebo.

With the offensive and defensive lines looking much better, the Bears could do the old “take the best player available” approach. This could happen in the 2025 NFL Draft’s first or second rounds.

It’s easy to see that the Bears have options. Their free agent haul has made it harder to predict what they might do in the first and second rounds.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images

The post Possibilities for the Chicago Bears in the Draft’s Second Round appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Chicago Bears held a press conference to unveil two major free-agent additions, former Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and Falcons center Drew Dalman. Above all, addressing the lack of stability at center has been a pressing issue for what seems like forever in Chicago. Now that the Bears finally decided to shore up the position by signing Dalman to a massive three-year, $42 million deal, Ben Johnson dropped a heroic statement on the Bears new starting center.

Ben Johnson Drops Heroic Statement on Bears’ Center Drew Dalman

“He’s Going to Be the Quarterback of Our Offensive Line”

When asked about Drew Dalman, Ben Johnson emphasized his role as the “quarterback of the offensive line,” stating that he plans to put more responsibility on Dalman than he’s had in the past.

Leading the way. pic.twitter.com/LqwxzZmSk4

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 13, 2025

If there’s one player who can handle it, it’s Dalman. A Stanford graduate, he has been praised for his intelligence and leadership. Joining Dalman in Chicago, longtime teammate Grady Jarrett spoke highly of his abilities:

“Working against him in Atlanta, he’s so smart.” Jarrett also highlighted Dalman’s ability to eject a three-technique as one of his strong suits. “His growth; the dude’s a beast, man. I’m happy that he’s gonna be here, and I think he’s going to bring a lot to this team.”

The Bears desperately need a guy like Dalman to come in and be a leader for the offense, and he’s no stranger to calling out protections either.

Drew Dalman calling out protections vs. Flores. He talks to both sides of the line before the ball is snapped pic.twitter.com/niKw0SRbfy

— NOT Ashton Jeanty’s Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) March 11, 2025

Bears GM Ryan Poles on Drew Dalman

It feels good knowing I wasn’t the only one believing the Bears should go all-in for Drew Dalman. When asked about him, Ryan Poles said “he was definitely someone who was at the very, very top of our list.”

Both the free agent and draft class for centers were relatively weak. With the Bears desperately searching for an answer at the position, it felt like a no-brainer to be fully invested in making sure Dalman was a Bear once free agency started.

Besides only playing nine games last season, Dalman was the 4th rated center by PFF and allowed the fifth-lowest 1-on-1 pressure rate among centers last season. If only playing nine games isn’t enough, since 2023 Dalman is ranked 5th among all centers according to PFF with an 84.8 grade. Now, with Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson by his side, the potential for this offensive line is sky-high.

Drew Dalman’s Mamba Mentality

Drew Dalman understands the challenges of transitioning to a new team and isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I feel like my style—I have to prove myself. I’m entering the room as a stranger and I have to forge all of those relationships.” 

It’s the right mindset to have. Despite what Dalman has been able to accomplish in his NFL career, going into a new environment takes time to mesh with the rest of the guys and figure out how you can become a leader. Fortunately, he’ll have Joe Thuney as a mentor. Dalman has already expressed his intent to learn as much as possible from the four-time Super Bowl champion, even joking that he plans to be “annoying” with his questions.

It feels like the Bears are assembling an “Avengers-level” offensive line. Time to see how they perform next season blocking for Caleb Williams, a huge reason why Dalman chose to sign with the Bears.

Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports

The post Bears HC Ben Johnson Drops Heroic Statement on Drew Dalman appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

ESPN NFL senior writer and analyst Mike Clay released his 2025 NFL roster grades, with the Chicago Bears earning some unexpected rankings. These evaluations compare all 32 teams before the 2025 NFL Draft, providing an early look at where each roster stands. While it’s just a preliminary assessment, it’s interesting to gauge the overall roster for the Bears.

Breaking Down Mike Clay’s 2025 NFL Roster Grades for the Bears

At first glance, the rankings might seem like just a collection of numbers, but here’s what they mean: teams are ranked based on overall roster strength, with higher numbers indicating a stronger unit at that position. The Bears landed 12th overall, featuring the league’s 16th-ranked offense and 8th-ranked defense. Now, let’s dive into the details.

Quarterback: 5/10

By no means is Caleb Williams a “5/10” quarterback, but rather a result of two factors: An inadequate offensive line paired with incompetent coaching which derailed his rookie season. That doesn’t excuse Williams from some of the 68 sacks he took and deep-ball accuracy issues, but the hope is he improves next season. With a revamped offensive line and Ben Johnson taking over as the head coach, it’s only up from here for Williams.

When asked about Williams’ ranking, here’s what Mike Clay had to say: “I’m using many objective measurements. He’d actually be lower if I wasn’t injecting a little bit of projection in there.”

Running Back: 6/10

Despite putting up 959 rushing yards and 253 receiving yards, D’Andre Swift averaged just 3.8 yards per carry—ranking 39th among qualified running backs. The hope is the overhaul on the offensive line will help Swift and the rest of the running back department next season. Either way, the consensus is the Bears will draft another running back which will help bump this number up.

Wide Receiver: 6/10

This one is surprising, considering the Bears have D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. However, beyond those two, Tyler Scott is the only other receiver currently on the roster. With Ben Johnson calling the shots, the Bears’ receiving corps has the potential to take a significant step forward.

Tight End: 7/10

Given how the previous coaching staff underutilized Cole Kmet, this ranking is a little surprising. Kmet is a quality tight end, but with Durham Smythe as the only other option, the Bears would benefit from adding a third tight end via free agency or the draft.

Offensive Line: 9/10

Going from one of the worst units in the NFL to one of the best, hats off to Ryan Poles and the rest of the Bears’ front office. It was obvious the Bears needed to invest heavily on the offensive line with Caleb Williams getting sacked 68 times last season, but no one could have predicted how the Bears invested. Two trades for starting guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, combined with signing Drew Dalman during free agency are sure to make Williams happy. All that’s left is to find some depth pieces and build some chemistry over the offseason.

Defensive Line: 5/10

The addition of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett gives the Bears a solid trio alongside Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter Sr. If Chicago adds another piece in the draft, this group could quickly become one of the better interior defensive lines in the league.

Edge Rusher: 6/10

Signing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency helps address a key weakness. The expectation is that he will alleviate some of the double-teams on Montez Sweat, but adding another edge rusher in the draft would solidify the position.

Linebacker: 7/10

The thought of losing Jack Sanborn hurts, but the Bears will be just fine with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. Edwards has been a free-agent bargain for the Bears, while Edmunds has left a lot to be desired. The hope is Dennis Allen helps Edmunds return to form.

Cornerback: 8/10

With Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon on the field, the Bears have one of the top cornerback rooms in the NFL. Stevenson needs to learn from his mistakes last season and show why he was drafted in the second round, while the Bears need to focus on giving Gordon a contract extension.

Safety: 7/10

Kevin Byard was arguably the top free agent signing by the Bears last year, and it’s unfortunate what happened with Jaquan Brisker last season. Regardless, when those two players are on the field, the Bears’ secondary is a no-fly zone. However, questions arise about whether the Bears need to add another safety with Byard heading in the last year of his contract and Brisker dealing with concussion issues.

Last Word on the Bears Roster

Looking at the individual scores, it seems like the Bears don’t have a good roster. However, if you take a second to compare their grades to the rest of the NFL, the Bears are a well-balanced team with untapped potential. Looking at the teams in the division, the Lions ranked 2nd, the Vikings 8th, and the Packers one spot ahead of the Bears at 11th. It’s anyone’s game in the NFC North, and the Bears have a chance to surprise a lot of people next season.

Main Image: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports

The post Breaking Down Mike Clay’s 2025 NFL Roster Grades for the Bears appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Six-year veteran center Coleman Shelton signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Shelton, a former undrafted free agent, spent 2024 with the Chicago Bears but has also played for the Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Arizona Cardinals.

Schefter: C Coleman Shelton to sign a 2-year deal with the Rams.

— NFL NEWS (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) 2025-03-11T22:24:10.382Z

Coleman Shelton, Los Angeles Rams, Agree to Contract

The Chicago Bears did not live up to expectations last year, but Shelton had a strong season despite the underwhelming final result. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the Washington product finished the season with a 66.4 PFF grade, the 16th-best mark out of 43 eligible players. Unfortunately, his strong play could not guide the Bears to the playoffs, as the team fired head coach Matt Eberflus midway through the season.

Shelton originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Originally signing with the San Francisco 49ers, the offensive lineman needed time to establish himself in the league. Battling for a roster spot, Shelton couldn’t make San Francisco’s Week 1 roster and spent the 2018 season on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Once again facing an uphill battle, Shelton couldn’t make the Cardinals roster in 2019 but was quickly claimed by the Los Angeles Rams.

After spending his early years as a backup, Shelton earned a key role in 2021. Appearing in all 17 games while making two starts, the former undrafted free agent earned a championship ring as first-year Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford guided the team to the game’s most coveted prize. He earned the full-time center job in 2022, finishing the season with a 58.0 PFF grade. He improved in 2023, ending the year with a 66.1 PFF grade, the 17th-best mark of 36 eligible players.

Since signing his rookie contract, Coleman Shelton has appeared in 90 games while making 49 starts. While on the field, the former undrafted free agent has helped win a Super Bowl and provided valuable blocking for first-overall picks Caleb Williams and Matthew Stafford.

Main Photo: Bob Kupbeans – USA Today Sports

The post Super Bowl Champion Center Signs Contract appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Chicago Bears were ultra-aggressive during the first day of NFL free agency. Perhaps the best part of the signings weren’t the players, but the common theme amongst them. All three players play in the trenches, which is the area the Bears desperately needed reinforcements for. Now where do the Bears go from here?

The Next Steps for the Bears After Blockbuster Day in Free Agency

Day One Free Agency Recap

For those who missed it, here’s a quick breakdown of the Bears’ key signings:

• C Drew Dalman – 3 year, $42 million 
• DE Dayo Odeyingbo – 3 year, $48 million
• DT Grady Jarrett – 3 year, $43.5 million

After years of instability at center, the Bears finally found a solution by signing Falcons’ center Drew Dalman. Ranked as the 4th-best center by Pro Football Focus (PFF) last season, Dalman is an extremely athletic center who fits seamlessly into Ben Johnson’s offensive system. His ability to thrive in space and handle one-on-one matchups makes him a crucial addition.

In nine games last season, Dalman allowed the fifth-lowest 1-on-1 pressure rate among centers and was left 1-on-1 on 45.4% of pass-blocking snaps which was the second-highest rate among centers. Simply put, he’s a stud.

Defensively, Ryan Poles wasted no time addressing the team’s biggest weakness—the defensive line. The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo, a versatile pass rusher from the Colts who can play both inside and outside. At 6’6″, 286 pounds, he brings the size and pass-rushing ability that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen loves. In 61 games with 19 starts, Odeyingbo had 106 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. 

The Bears also added Grady Jarrett, a proven disruptor in the middle. While he’s 32 years old, he fills a need at defensive tackle and is 8th in pressures (368) and 12th in sacks (36.5) among defensive tackles in his career. He’ll thrive in a rotation with Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Chris Williams.

Rewarding Aggression with Patience

In this free agency cycle, it feels like the Bears are always a step ahead. And for a reason. The likely situation that unfolded was during the NFL Combine when the Bears’ front office got a feel for the desaturated free agent market at positions of need and decided to pivot in a different direction. Instead of handing out ridiculously large contracts for guards, the Bears traded for Chiefs’ All-Pro Joe Thuney and Rams’ guard Jonah Jackson. While other teams were scrambling to sign mid-tier guards, the Bears focused on signing Drew Dalman and defensive linemen.

Because the Bears were one step ahead of the market, they were able to be aggressive and land crucial starters in the trenches. Now with few positions to address, the Bears can sit back and let the market come to them. If you don’t believe free agents want to come play for the Bears, CBS Insider Jonathan Jones reported Dalman took less money to play under Ben Johnson and block for Caleb Williams.

Bears’ Draft Strategy Becoming Easier to Predict

For the first time in years, the Bears can enter the draft without glaring holes. Instead of scrambling to fill needs, they can prioritize drafting the best player available (BPA)—a luxury they haven’t had in past drafts.

The first-round pick will likely be a pass rusher or running back Ashton Jeanty. If they trade down, they could stockpile picks, but either way, expect a pass rusher and running back by the end of Round 2.

Beyond that, the Bears will look to build for the future by drafting an interior offensive lineman, wide receiver, safety, and tackle; it’s just a matter of what order.

Last Word on the Bears’ Free Agency Tactics

The Bears’ aggressive start to free agency transformed the roster. Now, the Bears have the flexibility to let the market come to them, allowing them to find hidden gems while preparing for a draft where they control their destiny.

It’s a new era in Chicago—one where players want to play for the Bears, and one where the front office is proving they know how to build a contender.

Main Image: Brett Davis – USA Today Sports

The post The Next Steps for the Bears After Blockbuster Day in Free Agency appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Four-year veteran edge defender Dayo Odeyingbo signed a new contract with the Chicago Bears. Odeyingbo, a former second-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bears get their edge rusher, per @bradbiggs.bsky.social: Dayo Odeyingbo. He’s got the size we know Dennis Allen prefers (6-6, 286 pounds). He’s only 25 and had 17 QB hits in each of the past two seasons.

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM

Dayo Odeyingbo, Chicago Bears, Agree to Contract

The 2024 campaign was another solid season for Dayo Odeyingbo. Appearing in all 17 games while making 14 starts, the veteran finished the season with three sacks, 31 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 17 quarterback hits, and a career-best 66.1 PFF grade, the 54th-best mark out of 119 eligible players. Despite his reliable overall play, the Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs as Odeyingbo officially went through his entire rookie contract without making a trip to the postseason.

Dayo Odeyingbo originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Indianapolis Colts, the Vanderbilt product hardly saw the field as a rookie. Appearing in 10 games without making a start, the rookie finished his inaugural season with 0.5 sacks, six tackles, no tackles-for-loss, and one quarterback hit. The Colts had the chance to make the playoffs in Odeyingbo’s rookie season but lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season finale.

Despite his slow start, Day Odeyingo earned a larger role during the second year of his contract. Appearing in all 17 games while making four starts, the pass rusher finished the year with five sacks, 31 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits. He improved in 2023, recording eight sacks, 38 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, 17 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles in 17 games. Once again, the Colts had a chance to make the playoffs in the season finale but lost in heartbreaking fashion to C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.

Since signing his rookie contract, Dayo Odeyingbo has appeared in 61 games while making 19 starts. While on the field, the Vanderbilt product has recorded 16.5 sacks, 106 tackles, 21 tackles-for-loss, 46 quarterback hits, and five forced fumbles. He is still looking for his first playoff appearance.

Main Photo: Bob DeChiari – Imagn Images

The post Breaking: 16-Sack Pass Rusher Signs Contract With Chicago Bears appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.