It's been a tough year for Chicago Bears fans who were hoping the 2025 NFL Draft conversation wouldn't begin until at least a few more weeks from now. Instead, with four games left in the 2024 season, Bears fans have been looking ahead to the NFL Draft for weeks.
It feels like an eternity ago that Chicago's playoff hopes were strong. Hard Knocks inflated expectations, and a 4-2 record to start the season felt like it was the beginning of a fun ride. Seven straight losses later, and here we are. Bears fans are back to reading mock drafts, with Chicago holding a top-10 pick... again.
What's also becoming clear are the weaknesses on this Bears team. Free agency will help fill some of them, but the best teams build through the NFL Draft. Chicago is armed with what should be three top-50 picks, giving GM Ryan Poles a gigantic opportunity to get better in a hurry.
Where should he focus his attention? Here are the five biggest Chicago Bears roster needs entering the final month of the season.
5. Safety
It's time to have the difficult conversation about Jaquan Brisker's future with the Bears. As a pure talent, he has few peers at safety. But as the saying goes, his availability is far from his best ability. Brisker's concussions are becoming a huge concern, and the Bears should make sure they invest a draft pick in a backup plan in the event Brisker's career doesn't get back on track.
4. Defensive tackle
Gervon Dexter is having a strong season, but the injury to Andrew Billings exposed the lack of talent on this Bears roster behind the two of them. The run defense has fallen apart without Billings in the lineup. I expect the Bears to prioritize a run-stuffing defensive tackle in the early rounds.
3. Edge rusher
Montez Sweat is great, and the combination of Darrell Taylor and DeMarcus Walker has been OK at times, but to really take advantage of Sweat's double-digit-sack ability, he needs a stronger running mate who demands attention from the offensive line. Pairing Sweat with a blue-chip edge rusher is the fastest way the Bears can elevate the overall play of the defense.
2. Offensive tackle
Darnell Wright is a long-term starter at right tackle. He's playing much better than the average fan gives him credit for. He's a stud. Meanwhile, Braxton Jones has been serviceable, but he can't anchor against power in pass protection, and we've seen way too many reps in 2024 that have been downright scary for Caleb Williams. If I had to bet money on the likely position that will be prioritized in the first round, it's this one.
1. Interior offensive line
No position group needs an upgrade more than the Bears' interior offensive line. Teven Jenkins has been fine at left guard, but he isn't an irreplaceable talent. Center and right guard will both have new starters in 2025, and I'd imagine one of them will be a rookie selected early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams usually don't use their first-round picks on interior offensive linemen, and Idon't think the Bears will either. But with two premium picks in the second round, Chicago can beef up their interior pretty easily.
