The 2025 NFL Draft is 61 days away. As of right now, the Chicago Bears have eight picks — including four in the top 75. Unfortunately, they won’t be getting any more via compensatory selections because Ian Cunningham isn’t getting the Jacksonville Jaguars GM job. Even still … how this team goes about using the picks it does have remains to be determined. And while what happens in free agency will go a long way toward determining how the Bears move on NFL Draft Weekend, it is never too early to look at what league insiders, analysts, and pundits are forecasting for Chicago’s football team.

Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup — Feb. 22, 2025

On the one hand, I struggle to take NFL mock drafts seriously this time of year because we are so far from the actual NFL Draft (61 days from today if you’re keeping track at home). But on the other hand, mock drafts that drop this time of year help clue us in on what positions teams will target in free agency and the draft (if they don’t fill those spots in free agency). It is fun to learn about which players and position groups are being connected to the Chicago Bears. So let’s do another mock draft roundup.

DANIEL JEREMIAH, NFL NETWORK — In his second offseason mock draft, the long-time NFL Draft analyst sends University of Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. to the Bears with the No. 10 overall pick. “The Bears need to devote their offseason to upgrading the group playing in front of Caleb Williams,” Jeremiah writes. “Banks has the skill set to play tackle or guard.” Banks is coming off an award-winning final season at Texas where he seemed to cement his spot as a first-round pick. How he measures out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis could further solidify his status among draftniks.

For what it’s worth, Pro Football Network, CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, and one of Jeremiah’s NFL Network teammates also posted mock drafts that had Kelvin Banks Jr. going to the Bears. It’s too early to start building a consensus around teams and specific prospects. However, it will be worth keeping Banks in mind as an option for the Bears.

KEVIN FISHBAIN, THE ATHLETIC — Kevin Fishbain does the honors for Chicago in The Athletic’s beat writer-driven mock draft. With the No. 10 overall pick, Fishbain gives the Bears Marshall edge defender Mike Green. After two of the top offensive linemen off the board, Fishbain opts to address the team’s needs along the defensive line. This is what he had to say about the pick:

Green was dominant at the Senior Bowl. He plays violently, a trait GM Ryan Poles and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen should like. Recent Bears draft picks on the defensive line have had outstanding athletic traits, but not necessarily the stats to match. Now it’s time to take someone who has the production that reflects the tape. Green, who led the country with 17 sacks, would be a very good complement opposite Montez Sweat.

From a cap balance perspective, I like the idea of pairing one of the league’s highest-paid pass rushers with a player on a cost-controlled rookie deal. But even if the cap stuff wasn’t in play, I’d like the pick because of what Fishbain says about Green’s playing style. Chicago’s defense needs someone with a violent playing style coming hard off the edge.

TOM FORNELLI, CBS SPORTS — Another mock draft that has the Bears addressing their needs on the defensive side of the ball, but with a different lineman. Fornelli sends Georgia’s Mykel Williams to Chicago with the 10th overall pick. Why go with a D-lineman when offensive linemen such as Missouri’s Armand Membou and Alabana’s Tyler Booker are still on the board? This sums it up:

The Bears need to address their offensive line but can do that in free agency. They also need to improve their pass rush, and with the two best offensive tackles off the board, they do just that with Mykel Williams. Williams spent a lot of last season banged up, which impacted his final numbers, but there’s a world of potential here.

For what it’s worth, Bears GM Ryan Poles had a good look at a bunch of Georgia and Alabama prospects at the last Georgia-Alabama game. Unfortunately, Williams was injured and did not play.

LUIS MEDINA, BLEACHER NATION — I took the PFF mock draft simulator for a spin and came up with this mock draft:

Fooled around with PFF’s mock draft simulator for the first time this year. How would you grade my mock draft?

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— Bleacher Nation Bears (@bn-bears.bsky.social) February 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM

PFF gave my draft a B+ grade. Not bad, but could be better. I’m sure you’ll let me know how I did in the comments.