5 perfect prospect fits for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s most improved teams this offseason. Their biggest upgrade comes on the sideline with the hiring of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach. In addition to the coaching splash, they’ve invested heavily in the offensive line—adding Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman to help solidify the trenches.

With the foundation continuing to take shape, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a critical opportunity to further the rebuild. Here are five prospects who would be perfect fits in Chicago.

Five ideal fits in Chicago

Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

In this scenario, the Chicago Bears trade up to the No. 3 overall pick—a move I project in my latest mock draft. The Bears are still searching for answers along the edge after a lackluster pass rush last season. Their only notable addition at defensive end so far has been Dayo Odeyingbo, who tallied just three sacks in 2024.

Abdul Carter would instantly become their most dangerous pass rusher since Khalil Mack in 2021. With explosive burst off the snap and relentless energy, Carter was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 12 sacks. Despite being slightly undersized for a defensive end, he also excels against the run, leading the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss last season.

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

If the Chicago Bears choose to trade down in the NFL Draft instead of moving up or staying put, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons could be a prime target. This move would be especially appealing as it brings in additional draft capital—particularly from a quarterback-needy team eager to move into the top ten for one of the top three quarterbacks in the class. It would also give the Bears a chance to potentially upgrade from Braxton Jones, who has struggled with consistency at left tackle.

Simmons might be the best true left tackle prospect in this year’s draft, as I don’t project either Will Campbell or Armand Membou to play left tackle in the NFL. What sets Simmons apart is his smooth footwork, elite athleticism, and outstanding pass protection, earning him recognition from Bleacher Report as the top pass-blocking tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Tight end has been a popular projection for the Bears at No. 10 overall, but that move doesn’t quite add up. With Cole Kmet already in place and poised to thrive under Ben Johnson it wouldn’t make sense to spend a top-10 pick on a player who might see the field less than 50% of the time, even in Johnson’s 12-personnel-heavy scheme.

A smarter approach would be to target a tight end with one of their two second-round picks, and LSU’s Mason Taylor fits the bill perfectly. Taylor is LSU’s all-time leader among tight ends in both receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,308), and brings a versatile skill set as both an in-line and flex option. He’s reliable too, with just one career drop, and would give the Bears another dependable weapon in the passing game without the premium price tag.

Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

While some mock drafts have linked the Bears to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 overall, he’s more likely to land with the Raiders at No. 6. Instead, Chicago would be better served addressing the running back position on Day 3 of the draft.

A strong complement to D’Andre Swift’s explosive style would be Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo. The most punishing runner in this year’s class, Skattebo thrives on elite lower-body strength and relentless determination. He breaks tackles with ease and brings a physical edge that would perfectly balance Swift’s speed and elusiveness. Together, they could form a dynamic “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield duo—similar to the Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery pairing Ben Johnson had success with in Detroit.

Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

The Bears are set at starting linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, but the departure of Jack Sanborn leaves a noticeable gap in depth. It’s a need Chicago would be wise to address on Day 3 of the draft.

Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman is among the most productive linebackers in the 2025 class, having posted over 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. His ability to consistently find the football comes from excellent instincts and quick diagnostic skills, particularly against the run. Stutsman would be an ideal depth piece with the potential to contribute on special teams and grow into a larger role over time.

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