Introduction: The Draft-Day Roar from the Windy City
What makes draft day so incredible? The excitement, the buzz, the anticipation. For the Chicago Bears faithful, the 2025 NFL Draft did not represent just a day to get used to new names, bears draft picks 2025 but something akin to a reset button and a swathe of optimism that has been absent for some time.
The Bears actually had an opportunity to build their future and, boy, did they go loud. Between some tactical and calculated strategic picks and a blend of bold moves, the league will be reacting to the Bears’ draft picks 2025 for some time to come.
This isn’t yet another lifeless recap filled with unfiltered paragraphs. For my fellow enthusiasts, there’s an analysis filled with emotions, surprises, and football love that every fan waits for.
Bears’ Draft Capital: How Many Picks Did They Have?
Starting with the draft capital the Bears possessed:
In the 2025 draft, the Bears had the following:
One first-round selection
Two second-round selections
One third-round selection
Two fifth-round selections
One sixth-round selection
In total, seven selections.
While that number is substantial in and of itself, bears draft picks 2025 it is the approach to that number that has fans buzzing while they go about their day.
Round 1 Pick 3 A Franchise QB Once More bears draft picks 2025
Yes, it is understandable if “didn’t we just do this?” is the first thought that crosses your mind. Sometimes, it is helpful to go all in.
In this case, the Bears chose DeShawn Ricks, bears draft picks 2025 a dual-threat QB from Oregon State. At 6’5”, he is a sight to behold, and he does not stop there. Fast, heaving a powerful cannon of an arm, and most importantly, brimming with confidence.
This is a bold pick, and of course, with the level of Chicago’s QB woes, it does have some explanation.
Why Ricks Over Other Options?
Ricks is not the only choice, and there was some debate over whether he should go with Wilkins from Michigan or Nash from Florida. But Ricks’s raw electric talent solidified the pick. While not refined, Ricks’s potential is through the roof.
He’s a younger version of Cam Newton with hints of Lamar Jackson.
Might he be the Chicago answer that has been so eagerly awaited? For the sake of not jinxing this, it appears that the future of the Bears has suddenly become much more intricate.
Second Round Surprise: Strengthening the Trenches
In the second round, the Bears addressed two of the positions that require immediate attention:
Pick #35: Jamal Duncan, Offensive Tackle (Georgia)
Pick #48: Ray’Shawn Ellis, Defensive End (USC)
Both of these picks are blue-collar, no-nonsense players who can have an immediate impact.
The Case for Jamal Duncan bears draft picks 2025
At 6’6” and 315 pounds, Duncan is a wall and a half. He is smart, too. A former engineering major, he blitz-schemes like a 1st string O del. This dude is set to be Ricks’ bodyguard for years to come.
Bears fans have been clamoring for more seamless line play for ages. It appears that line play is finally becoming an option.
Ray’Shawn Ellis The Silent Assassin
Duncan is best known for “The Silent Assassin” Ellis, the unflashy but profoundly effective player. Adding 11 sacks to his sixth season, Ellis violently edges and scrapes his way into the position. Not yet a big name, but mark my words, we can expect big things out of him. This will be one of the most undervalued rookie surprises of the NFL.
Round 3: A Playmaker in Disguise bears draft picks 2025
During the 3rd round, Chicago picked up wide receiver Bryce Watley from Tulane.
And let me tell you something: this kid’s a dog.
Hadley is a dog. Watley runs crisp routes, has reliable hands, and plays with an intensity like something is on the line. He’s more of a slender receiver and not a bulky WR1, but he does have the YAC (yards after catch) potential that could add a new dimension to the offense.
This was a value pick. Pure and simple.
Day 3 Picks Smart Gambles and Deep Sleepers
You know how some people tune out after Round 3? That’s a huge mistake.
Because this is when GMs prove their worth, and Ryan Poles did not disappoint.
Here’s what the Bears pulled in:
Fifth Round bears draft picks for 2025
Pick #144: T.J. Reiner, Linebacker (Boise State)
Xavier Powell, Cornerback (UCLA)
Reiner is your typical Chicago linebacker—tough, intense, and built like a brick wall. A lighter version of Roquan Smith, he may see special teams action before he cracks the starting lineup.
Powell, on the other hand, is a slender and long corner with some rough edges. He is a project—no doubt—but a worthy one.
Round Six
The 200th Pick: Mekhi Burns, Running Back, Clemson
Now, here is something unconventional. Though Burns received limited opportunities while playing at Clemson, he certainly made the most out of them. He was extremely hard to contain, with explosive agility and an acute awareness of where the endzone was.
If Burns were to have rapidly risen to fame as a fantasy football player by mid-season, it wouldn’t have shocked us one bit.
Notable Highlights of the Bears Draft Class
Addressing the matter as a whole, a few topics come to mind.
1. Guys with Good Character
Every selection this year shared one thing in common. High levels of toughness, maturity, and a strong work ethic. Poles and the staff were clearly in search of team captains.
2. Safeguarding the Quarterback
The Bears have spent years watching their quarterbacks get relentlessly pummeled. It was a smart move watching them shift their focus to the O-line. You cannot teach a quarterback how to play when he is flat on his back.
3. Defensive Identity is Back
Chicago’s defense used to be something to be feared. Not in recent years, Bears draft picks 2025, however. They have Ellis, Reiner, and Powell, and they are slowly but surely attempting to reclaim that fearsome reputation.
What ESPN and PFF Are Saying
Giving the Bears an A-, ESPN seemed to have a more favorable view.
Pro Football Focus was a bit lukewarm, giving a B+ due to some picks having “rawness and risk”.
The fans, however? Completely electrified.
YouTube reactions are overflowing with comments such as:
“Finally, we’re drafting like we know what we’re doing!”
“Ricks and Duncan are the combo we’ve needed for years.”
“Watley is gonna be the steal of the draft. Watch.”
Real Talk: What Could Go Wrong? bears draft picks 2025
All right, slow down a bit.
Every draft has risks, and these guys have yet to play a single NFL snap.
The following is what could go awry:
Ricks Might Bust
He is flashy, and to some extent, he may be a Calder contender. However, if he does not adapt to the learning curve quickly, the pressure could easily cause everything to fall apart. Chicago is not known for welcoming lackluster performances.
Injuries Are Always a Threat
One blown knee, and what could have been regarded as a genius pick, becomes a burst of regret. That is the brutal reality of football.
Coaching Development is Key
It isn’t only the player’s responsibility. Without a proper curriculum and execution plan, the potential for these individuals becomes meaningless. The staff better be ready.
Final Verdict: Did the Bears Win the Draft?
To be candid, not to sound pompous, but I believe they did.
Not an effortless, one-hundred percent foolproof Super Bowl blueprint. However, a balanced, intelligent class that looks like it was built with a real plan.
We see investment in the trenches, possible superstar potential at QB, as well as some sneaky-good long-term picks.
In short, hope has returned to Chicago.
And if you’ve been a Bears fan for more than five minutes, you know how elusive that has been.