2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Interim Coach has Taken a New Path to Solidify this Three Key Areas with Williams as the…
As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, teams around the league are already beginning to evaluate their draft prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears, with a storied history and a solid foundation, are in a unique position. After spending the 2024 offseason in the quarterback market, trading for wide receiver DJ Moore, and building around Justin Fields, the Bears will now look to solidify their roster in other key areas. For the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears should take a different approach by investing heavily in their offensive and defensive lines. Here’s a potential mock draft for the Bears, prioritizing the trenches, and setting up for sustained success on both sides of the ball.
Round 1, Pick 1: Omarion Hampton, Offensive Tackle, North Carolina
After taking a big step in building around Justin Fields in 2024, the Bears’ primary focus should now shift to protecting their young quarterback. While Fields’ playmaking ability is electric, his development has been hindered by inconsistent protection from his offensive line. In 2025, the Bears should target the best available offensive tackle, and Omarion Hampton from North Carolina stands out as an ideal choice.
Hampton is a prototypical left tackle, with great size, mobility, and strength. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at over 330 pounds, he has the physical attributes that teams covet in a franchise left tackle. Hampton has shown strong technique in pass protection and is a dominant force in the running game. He can anchor the offensive line and give Fields the time he needs to make plays. His versatility would also allow him to play either tackle position, providing the Bears with options depending on how their roster evolves.
Selecting Hampton at No. 1 overall not only strengthens the Bears’ offensive line but also sends a message that they’re committed to building from the inside out. It’s essential to protect Fields and help him flourish, and Hampton can be a building block on the left side for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 32: Caleb Williams, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
With the Bears’ first pick in the second round, they turn their attention to a key position on the defensive side of the ball: defensive tackle. The Bears have shown flashes of dominance on defense in recent seasons, but their pass rush and interior defensive line could still use an upgrade. Caleb Williams from Michigan is a disruptive force that would bring immediate improvement to their defensive front.
Williams is a powerful and agile defensive tackle who excels at shedding blockers and collapsing the pocket. At 6’4″ and 300 pounds, he has the ideal blend of size and quickness to dominate the interior. In the Big Ten, Williams was consistently a problem for opposing offensive lines, recording impressive numbers in both run defense and pass rushing.
Pairing Williams with a healthy and revitalized front seven would provide the Bears with a formidable pass rush. He can play as a 3-technique in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ system and offer the Bears both inside pressure and the ability to clog running lanes. With this pick, the Bears would continue building their defensive line to complement their edge rushers and create a more balanced defense.
Round 3, Pick 63: Jordan Willis, Offensive Guard, Ohio State
If the Bears are serious about rebuilding their offensive line, adding a guard to the mix should be a top priority. Jordan Willis from Ohio State is an explosive and versatile offensive lineman who can play both guard positions and provide depth for the Bears up front.
Willis is a powerful mauler in the run game, showcasing an ability to clear lanes for running backs and protect the quarterback. He plays with a nasty streak and is difficult to move off his spot in the trenches. His size and strength make him an ideal fit for the Bears’ physical offensive scheme, and he has the potential to contribute as a starter early in his career. With an already solidified tackle position, Willis would help solidify the interior of the line.
Adding him to the Bears’ offensive front would give Fields better protection, and with his high motor, he would be an asset in both pass and run-blocking situations. Pairing him with Hampton on the left side of the line would give the Bears a formidable duo that can anchor their offense for years.
Round 4, Pick 94: Javon Griffin, Defensive End, Alabama
In Round 4, the Bears should focus on adding more depth and talent to their defensive line. Javon Griffin from Alabama is an intriguing prospect who could bring both size and speed to their edge rushing unit.
Griffin, at 6’5″ and 280 pounds, has the physicality to take on blockers while also possessing the speed to rush the passer. His ability to set the edge in both the running game and the passing game would be valuable for the Bears, who are looking to improve their pass rush. Alabama’s defense is one of the best in college football, and Griffin’s production on that side of the ball has been outstanding. With the Bears’ need for an explosive pass rusher, Griffin provides upside with his potential to contribute immediately.
Round 5, Pick 129: Khalil James, Center, Georgia
For their final pick in the 2025 draft, the Bears should target a center to further strengthen their offensive line. Khalil James from Georgia is a stout, reliable interior offensive lineman who has been praised for his leadership and awareness on the field. As a highly-rated center in the SEC, James has been responsible for protecting quarterbacks and opening up holes in the running game. His strong fundamentals and leadership would be an excellent fit for the Bears’ offensive line.
James would provide valuable depth and competition to the center position. If he can develop into a starting-caliber player, the Bears would have one of the strongest offensive lines in the league, featuring high-end talent at tackle, guard, and center.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears have the opportunity in the 2025 NFL Draft to reshape their team with a clear focus on building in the trenches. By investing in both the offensive and defensive lines, they will lay a foundation for sustained success. This draft strategy gives them the chance to protect their franchise quarterback, Justin Fields, and bolster their defensive front, improving both sides of the ball. With careful planning and wise selections, the Bears can build the kind of dominant, physical team that will compete for championships in the years to come.