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