After an aggressive free agency period, the Chicago Bears still have key roster gaps to address in the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, Chicago is expected to bolster its defense with Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts.
While some analysts project Grant as a late first-rounder, Miller has the powerful lineman slipping to Chicago at No. 39, a scenario he believes would provide a massive boost to the Bears’ defensive front.
“The Bears added Grady Jarrett in free agency, but they could use a one-technique who can collapse pockets and push the pile in the run game,” Miller wrote.
“The 331-pound Grant would fill that need with his elite quickness and tools. He has the power to anchor in the run game and the movement necessary to slip past blockers as a pass rusher.”
Pairing Grant with Jarrett would add significant strength to a Bears defensive line that has the potential to be elite.
Miller also envisions Chicago selecting Watts later in the draft, setting up the former Notre Dame standout as an eventual replacement for veteran free safety Kevin Byard.
“Free safety Kevin Byard III’s leadership is key in Chicago, but he is entering his age-32 season,” Miller added.
“So it’s time for the Bears to think about a replacement like Watts, who collected 16 interceptions over the past two seasons and won the Bronko Nagurski Award in 2023.”
Watts, a two-time unanimous All-American, led college football with seven interceptions in 2023 and could provide a dynamic playmaking presence in the Bears’ secondary.
I’m sure you’re wondering about Miller’s prediction for the Bears’ No. 10 overall pick… He has the team going with Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty.
Chicago enters the 2025 draft in the midst of a major roster transition. Coming off a disappointing 5-12 season, the Bears have spent the offseason reshaping their team around 2023 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
The hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson was meant to stabilize the franchise after Matt Eberflus’ tumultuous tenure.
Johnson has already made a strong push to reinforce Chicago’s offensive line, adding Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson in free agency.
Still, the Bears have more work to do. Offensively, they must fill the void left by Keenan Allen’s departure, which left them without a reliable slot receiver.
On defense, linebacker and cornerback remain areas of need, especially with Tyrique Stevenson struggling late last season following his infamous Hail Mary mishap.
Elsewhere in the NFC North, Miller’s mock draft has Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. sliding to the Green Bay Packers at No. 23.
While some evaluators view Banks as a top-10 talent, concerns over his durability and play strength have led to speculation that he could fall further than expected.
“The Packers are entering the last year of Rasheed Walker’s contract, and rumors around the league have Green Bay drafting a tackle early. Banks was a three-year starter for the Longhorns at left tackle and allowed only one sack per season,” Miller wrote.
“He checks the size boxes (6-foot-5, 315 pounds, 33½-inch arms) and started 42 games in college. That profile suggests he should be off the board by now, but concerns about his play power have teams saying Banks could slide.
“He’s a poised pass protector and has held up against top-level college competition, but he might be better as a run blocker because of his hands and athletic movement.”
Though Banks has elite pass-protection skills, some teams reportedly view him as a better fit in the run game due to his technique and athleticism.
“I’m higher on Banks than the league – he’s in my overall top 10 – and this would be a steal for the Packers at this spot.”
Banks’ draft stock has fluctuated, with projections placing him anywhere from No. 10 to No. 25.
With left tackles being a premium position in today’s NFL, there’s a chance another team could scoop him up before Green Bay gets the opportunity.
If the Packers truly want Banks, they may need to trade up – but if the board falls in their favor, landing him at No. 23 could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
The NFC North is a monster of a division. And with the direction all four teams seem to be headed, the competition promises to be as fierce as ever next season.
What are your thoughts on Miller’s mock draft predictions???
